Knee A to Z

An osteochondral defect occurs when a chunk of joint cartilage is lost, leaving a crater that extends into the underlying bone. Page updated July 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

An osteochondral graft is plug of bone and cartilage that can be press-fitted into a prepared hole to replace a defect in the joint cartilage.

Osteochondritis is inflammation of the joint cartilage and underlying bone.

Osteochondritis dissecans is a destructive condition of bone, where blood supply becomes insufficient to a small section of cartilage and its underlying cartilage. Page updated March 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Osteochondrosis is a general term implying that there is some abnormal process going on in the joint cartilage and underlying bone.

Osteolysis is the breakdown of bone, which is a normal part of the self-restructuring of bone, but which can in some cases be abnormal and leave cavities in the area.

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that also involves the bone marrow.

Osteonecrosis is cell death of a small area of bone.

An osteophyte (bone spur) is a small, irregular bony outgrowth from a joint surface, usually seen in relation to osteoarthritis. Page updated February 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Osteoporosis is a disorder of thinning of bone, which may lead to fractures even after minor trauma.