Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is the destruction of joint cartilage and the first layer of bone under the cartilage (subchondral bone). It affects the knee most often and develops in active teens between the ages of 10 and 15 years old. Repetitive trauma (usually from sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, or skiing) is the primary risk factor.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a problem that affects the knee, mostly at the end of the big bone of the thigh (the femur). Repetitive motion, compression, and friction causes damage to the first layer of bone underneath the cartilage called subchondral bone.

Idiopathic scoliosis is a curvature of the spine with no known cause. By definition, the curve is at least 20 degrees. Boys are affected more often than girls and a left-sided curve is the rule rather than the exception. It might be said that most children with idiopathic scoliosis outgrow this condition, as it seems to resolve in up to 90 per cent of children.

Treating idiopathic scoliosis in a very young child is a challenge. Whatever treatment is used must allow for growth and development because most of the children affected are less than three years old. They still have a lot of growing to do -- not just the spine, but also the muscles, ribs, and internal organs. Fusing the spine (an effective treatment for other forms of scoliosis) is not an option until much later. The earliest fusion can be considered is around 10 years old.

Treating idiopathic scoliosis in a very young child is a challenge. Whatever treatment is used must allow for growth and development because most of the children affected are less than three years old. They still have a lot of growing to do -- not just the spine, but also the muscles, ribs, and internal organs. Fusing the spine (an effective treatment for other forms of scoliosis) is not an option until much later. The earliest fusion can be considered is around 10 years old.

Parents of teens with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and any adult who ever had OCD as a teenager will find this review of interest. Diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of OCD are the key features. A special focus on surgical options brings us up-to-date on the treatment of OCD.

This is a difficult question to answer. An orthopedic evaluation is necessary to see the extent of the problem and evaluate the implications of the condition. Some people with this bony anomaly who never have surgery to correct it, end up developing joint problems and arthritis years later.

Calcaneonavicular fusion (sometimes called calcaneonavicular coalition) refers to the fusing of two bones in the foot: the calcaneus (heel bone) and the navicular bone. The navicular is an important bone because it joins with many other bones in the foot and ankle. It is located on the medial side of the foot (side closest to the other foot). It articulates (moves against) the four and sometimes five other ankle bones.

Orthopedic surgeons are often faced with the frustration of knowing that a commonly accepted and used surgical technique doesn't always work. In this article, surgeons who treat children for a problem called calcaneonavicular coalition present their technique for dealing with this condition.

When to do surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear varies from patient to patient (of any age) and even from surgeon to surgeon. Surgeons often delay surgery of this type in children until the growth plates have sealed up and the bone is fully mature.