Medical expert of the article
New publications
Osteochondropathies in children
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
[ Causes osteochondropathy in a child
The pathogenesis of the pathological process is based on the disruption of local blood circulation and nutrition of bone tissue. Because of this, aseptic necrosis develops in the area of the spongy substance with its subsequent resorption and restoration. The diseased condition develops due to the following factors:
- Sympathetic innervation of blood vessels.
- Injuries.
- Increased physical stress on certain areas of the bone.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Infectious and inflammatory diseases.
- Congenital anomalies of the skeletal structure and bone system.
- Age-related and hormonal changes.
- Incorrect shoe size.
Symptoms osteochondropathy in a child
In most cases, the disorder is unilateral. The degenerative-dystrophic process in bones has several types, which differ in their localization. In children, the following types of damage are most often diagnosed:
- Head of the femur.
- Navicular bone of the foot.
- Tibia.
- Knee joint and patella.
- Calcaneus.
- Spine (progressive kyphosis).
- Heads of the metatarsal bones.
In addition to the above-mentioned disorders, medical practice also encounters chondropathy of the lunate bone, damage to the ribs, sternum, femoral condyle, talus, and others.
Juvenile osteochondropathy
Degenerative-dystrophic processes in the bones of adolescent patients aged 15-18 years are slightly less common than in children and adolescents. In this age category, lesions of the thoracic and lumbar spine (kyphosis), necrosis of the knee joints and hip bone are most often diagnosed.
Osteochondropathy of the spine is associated with the growth characteristics of the thoracic vertebrae, which lag behind the general maturation of the body. The thoracic vertebrae are deformed, which leads to a change in the position of the spine and chest. Because of this, stooping and scoliosis develop. Diseases of the bones and joints of the lower extremities are most often associated with injuries and exhausting physical activity. Necrosis is typical for young people who are professional athletes.
Diagnostics consists of instrumental methods. Treatment is aimed at restoring the normal structure of the affected tissue. For this purpose, medications, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, immobilization of the affected limbs, wearing special corrective corsets, etc. are used.
Osteochondropathy in adolescents
Aseptic necrosis is most often diagnosed in children and adolescents. The age of 11-15 years is a period of hormonal changes in the body and active growth of the skeleton. Degenerative-necrotic processes in bone tissue in adolescents occur due to the following reasons and factors:
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Endocrine and hormonal disorders.
- Disorders of metabolism of essential substances.
- Traumatic injuries.
- Excessive physical activity.
All types of the disease are characterized by slow development and vague symptoms in the initial stages. As it progresses, increasing and acute pain occurs when moving the joint of the affected limb, swelling appears, and movement may be difficult.
Diagnosis of the disease is based on collecting anamnesis and studying clinical symptoms. Particular attention is paid to instrumental research methods. Treatment depends on the stage at which the disease was diagnosed. Therapy is usually conservative. In particularly severe cases, surgery may be performed to restore normal functioning of the affected limb.
Stages
The disease goes through five stages in its development. In the early stages, the signs of aseptic necrosis are blurred, so it is difficult to recognize it and begin its treatment. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms appear:
- Pain in the affected area.
- Muscle atrophy.
- Lameness and crunching in the joints.
- Limitation of motor functions.
- Tissue swelling and puffiness.
Treatment osteochondropathy in a child
The treatment is carried out by an orthopedist. The doctor develops a recovery program. Therapy begins with medications, the action of which is aimed at improving blood circulation, stimulating bone tissue growth and increasing the protective properties of the immune system. Physiotherapy procedures are also carried out to accelerate regenerative processes. In particularly severe cases and in the presence of complications, surgical intervention is indicated.