Untreated osteochondritis results in gradual wear and tear of the cartilage and the formation of bony cystic changes, osteoarthritis, and fractures.
1. Cartilage is located on the bone surface of the bone joints, if the fluid in the joints is reduced or excessive weight-bearing exercise, force line deviation can cause wear and tear of the osteochondral cartilage. Osteochondral cartilage has the function of lubricating the joints, reducing the friction between the neighboring bones, and cushioning the vibration produced by the movement.
2. Untreated osteochondritis dissecans will lead to continuous wear of the cartilage. After the cartilage is worn out, the joint fluid will penetrate into the subchondral bone tissues, and with the damage of the cartilage, the shock-absorbing effect of the joints will be reduced, and the subchondral bone can have tiny fractures, form cavities, and also form cystic degeneration of the bone. Wear and tear of osteochondral bone, the formation of aseptic inflammation in the joint, resulting in the formation of bone capillaries in the joint, causing osteoarthritis.
Cartilage wear and tear suggests active consultation and physician-guided treatment.