| Objective: To discuss the clinical presentation and diagnostic imaging appearance of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee in a 10 year old competitive female gymnast. Clinical features: The patient presented with a 4-month history of knee pain that was aggravated by activity and relieved with rest. Outcome: The patient was referred to her general practitioner and subsequent orthopedist for consultation. Diagnostic imaging studies of the knee including plain film and MRI revealed findings consistent with osteochondritis dissecans. The patient was placed on complete rest from activity for eight weeks and has since returned to competitive gymnastics. Conclusion: Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee is a prevalent disorder in young high level atheletes. It is characterised by a subchondral osseous fragment that can separate from the underlying bone. Diagnosis and management must be implemented quickly and with patient compliance to allow for a positive outcome. Successful resolution of OCD at the knee in young high level athletes can often be achieved with conservative management to include; rest, ice and bracing. Chiropractic care is helpful in the management of associated back, knee, hip and ankle complaints induced by altered gait and weight bearing. This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher; full text by subscription.
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