Osteochondritis
Osteochondritis is an inflammatory condition of bones and joints which usually affects children and adolescents, where there is pain and softening of the bone and, if the growing point of the bone is affected there may be resultant deformity. Osteochondritis in adulthood most commonly affects the knee in young adults, when it is called osteochondritis dessicans. It usually follows episodes of pain and swelling, often in people who are much involved in active sport. It results in inflammation of the cartilage at the back of the kneecap: some of the inflammatory areas may become separated and enter the joint space, where they form what are called loose bodies (because they are loose in the joint). This causes painful jamming or locking of the joint, which may be a medical emergency in order to have the joint freed. Other joints may also be subject to this condition; it can occur in the elbow, shoulder or ankle. Its cause is unknown.
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