Osteochondral Abnormalities: Pitfalls, Injuries, and Osteochondritis Dissecans

Osteochondral lesions most commonly occur about the knee but may affect any articular surface of the pediatric appendicular skeleton. Osteochondral lesions include osteochondritis dissecans, osteochondral fractures, and osteochondral abnormalities associated with secondary processes such as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. These abnormalities should not be confused with normal subchondral irregularities related to normal epiphyseal ossification. The purpose of this chapter is to review osteochondritis dissecans with emphasis on MRI as well as review other osteochondral lesions that may mimic osteochondritis dissecans.