[Overlooked osteochondral fractures of the knee-joint area among juveniles]

Osteochondral fractures among juveniles are the subject being reported. Thereby it is emphasized that the fractures in the early stages could often be overlooked. The existing pains, the effusions of blood as well as the mechanism of the accident often lead to the term "distorsion" as a wrong diagnosis. X-ray examinations can be unsatisfactory in the early stages. In 3 up to 4 weeks it is recommendable to repeat the X-ray examinations in the case of sustained pains. After that tomographies and tangential roentgenograms of the patella are also valuable. In early cases the therapy can be carried through conservatively as a general rule. Later on a surgical treatment is advisable. Cases of illness which are not treated lead to degenerative effusions of the joint and in the long run they lead to degenerative alterations of the joint.