Paediatric Imaging

Osteochondritis

disturbance of bone and cartilage formation occurring in a previously normal epiphysis. The aetiology of the condition is not completely understood but it may reflect chronic trauma with secondary avascular necrosis of a secondary ossification centre or in the case of the small bones of hands and feet a primary ossification centre. For this reason osteochondrosis would perhaps be the preferred term as it infers neither "inflammation" nor a specific aetiology. The term "osteochondritis" is well established and will likely continue in usage. There are a number of common sites, many of which have eponyms. These include:

Epiphyses:

  • metatarsal head - Freibergs disease - particularly the second metatarsal head

  • capital femoral epiphysis - Legg Calv Perthes disease

  • capitellum - Panners disease

  • medial epicondyle - little league elbow

    Apophyses:

  • calcaneus - Severs disease

  • tibial tuberosity -Osgood Schlatter disease

    Primary ossification centres:

  • lunate - Kienbocks disease

  • navicular - Kohlers disease

  • patella - Sinding Larsen Johansen syndrome

    Radiographs typically show sclerosis and fragmentation. The prognosis is variable and the condition can resolve. See osteochondritis

    GL