Knee
Osteochondral Injury
Damage to the articular cartilage and the underlying (subchondral) bone in a joint, most commonly the knee.
Common Symptoms
- Joint pain and swelling
- A "catching" or "locking" sensation within the joint
- Instability or a feeling of the joint giving way
- Pain that worsens with activity
Potential Causes
- Traumatic injury, such as a direct blow or a severe twist
- Repetitive microtrauma from high-impact sports
- Loss of blood supply to the bone (osteonecrosis)
Treatment Options
Rest and activity modification
Physical therapy
Surgery to repair the cartilage (e.g., microfracture, cartilage grafting)