Juvenile osteochondrosis

Juvenile Osteochondrosis is a family of disorders that affects the growth of bones in children and adolescents. The condition is characterized by the interruption of the blood supply of a bone, particularly the epiphysis, leading to necrosis followed by revascularization by capillary ingrowth, bone deposition and remodeling.

Etiology

The exact cause of Juvenile Osteochondrosis is unknown, but it is believed to be multifactorial. Factors such as genetics, trauma, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies have been implicated.

Types

There are several types of juvenile osteochondrosis, each affecting different joints in the body. These include:

• Osgood-Schlatter disease: This affects the tibial tubercle.
• Sever's disease: This affects the calcaneus.
• Freiberg's disease: This affects the metatarsal heads.
• Kienbock's disease: This affects the lunate bone in the wrist.
• Panner's disease: This affects the capitellum of the elbow.

Symptoms

Symptoms of juvenile osteochondrosis may vary depending on the specific type and the joint involved. However, common symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected joint. In some cases, a limp or abnormal gait may be observed.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of juvenile osteochondrosis is typically made through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound.

Treatment

Treatment for juvenile osteochondrosis primarily involves managing symptoms and promoting healthy bone growth. This may include rest, physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery.

Prognosis

The prognosis for juvenile osteochondrosis is generally good, with most individuals achieving full recovery. However, in some cases, the condition can lead to long-term complications such as early onset arthritis.

See Also

• Osteochondritis dissecans
• Osteochondrosis
• Osgood-Schlatter disease
• Sever's disease