What Is the First Treatment for Osteochondritis Dissecans?

Osteochondritis dissecans affects a small area of bone and the overlying cartilage, often around a knee or another joint exposed to repeated loading. The fragment may be stable or may become loose, so the plan depends on age, symptoms, joint involved, and examination or imaging findings. Avoiding impact reduces stress while the area is assessed.

Stop running, jumping, and the other movement that triggers pain until a clinician gives clearer limits. Keep only the range of motion and weight-bearing that has been advised; crutches or a brace may be recommended for selected cases. Physiotherapy can preserve nearby muscle control, restore safe movement, and build a staged return plan. Do not resume sport simply because pain has eased.

Arrange specialist review for persistent joint pain, swelling, catching, or reduced movement. Seek prompt care if the joint locks, gives way repeatedly, or suddenly cannot bear weight. A loose or unstable fragment may need a different approach, including discussion of cartilage repair surgery.

Ask whether the lesion appears stable, which activities and weight-bearing levels are allowed, and when follow-up imaging is needed. Ask what signs would mean physiotherapy is working and when surgery should be discussed.