Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) Treatment in Central Texas
Restoring Joint Mobility with Expert Orthopedic Care
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) occurs when small segments of bone lose blood supply, potentially causing cartilage to crack or loosen. At Austin Orthopedic Institute, our fellowship-trained surgeons provide advanced diagnostics and personalized recovery plans to help you return to an active lifestyle. Contact our specialists today to schedule your evaluation.
Understanding OCD and Its Impact
This joint condition primarily affects the knee, though it can occur in the elbow or ankle. It typically develops in active adolescents and young adults. When the underlying bone lacks blood flow, the bone and its overlying cartilage can detach, leading to “loose bodies” within the joint space. Request an appointment at one of our four locations.
Recognizing the Symptoms of OCD
Early detection is vital for successful non-surgical intervention. If you are experiencing any of the following, consult our team:
Persistent Joint Aching:
Many patients report a dull, deep ache in the joint that worsens during or immediately after physical activity.
Visible Swelling and Tenderness:
The affected area may appear puffy or feel tender to the touch due to inflammation within the joint capsule.
Mechanical Locking or Catching:
A “popping” or “locking” sensation often indicates that a fragment of bone or cartilage has become loose.
Decreased Range of Motion:
You may find it difficult to fully extend or flex the joint, often accompanied by a feeling of instability.
Our Approach to Care
Common Causes of Joint Fragment Detachment
The exact cause of OCD is often attributed to repetitive microtrauma or minor unrecognized injuries that disrupt the blood supply to the bone. Genetic factors and rapid growth spurts in active teenagers also play a significant role in the development of these lesions. Without proper blood flow, the bone weakens, eventually causing the covering cartilage to separate and shift.
Proven Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Our initial approach focuses on allowing the bone to heal through activity modification and protected weight-bearing. We utilize specialized bracing and immobilization techniques alongside customized physical therapy to strengthen the joint without adding stress. Additionally, our specialists may recommend biologic injections, such as PRP, to naturally stimulate the repair of damaged tissue and restore joint integrity.
Advanced Surgical Procedures
If conservative measures fail or the lesion is unstable, our surgeons utilize minimally invasive arthroscopy. We specialize in retrograde drilling to stimulate blood flow, internal fixation using pins or screws, and advanced cartilage grafting techniques like OATS or ACI. These procedures focus on preserving your natural joint while ensuring a faster, more comfortable recovery period.
Meet Our Knee Pain Specialists
Common Knee Pain Treatment Available at All Locations
Austin | Marble Falls | Georgetown | Killeen
We provide a comprehensive range of non-operative and surgical interventions across all our regional clinics. From advanced ultrasound-guided injections to customized physical therapy programs and robotic-assisted joint replacement, AOI ensures consistent, high-quality care. Whether you visit us in Georgetown, Austin, Killeen or Marble Falls, you have access to the same world-class technology and specialized orthopedic expertise.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before Your Visit
We encourage you to take advantage of our complimentary MRI, X-ray, and CT scan review service. Send us your images, and one of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons will personally review them, offering an expert second opinion and letting you know if you need to come in.
During Your Visit
Conservative Care – We develop a personalized plan, with most patients starting with 6-12 weeks of non-surgical treatment.
Surgical Planning – If surgery is necessary, we use advanced computerized and robotic pre-operative planning for optimal, precise outcomes.
Recovery Support – We ensure close follow-up and coordinate your rehabilitation with our in-house physical therapy team for maximum recovery and a swift return to your active life.
Comprehensive Care Across Central Texas
Our team is dedicated to getting you back to peak performance using the most effective, least invasive methods possible. If joint pain is limiting your life, take the first step toward lasting relief. Call Austin Orthopedic Institute today to schedule your consultation.
Why Choose Austin Orthopedic Institute for Knee Care?
✓ Robotic Knee Replacement Specialists – Access to cutting-edge technology (Mako® & AR) for superior precision
✓ 100% Fellowship-Trained Knee Surgeons – Advanced, subspecialty expertise you can trust
✓ Same-Day & Next-Day Appointments – When you’re in pain, we’re here to help quickly
✓ Over 130 Years of Combined Experience – Decades of proven orthopedic success in Central Texas
✓ Comprehensive Care, All Under One Roof – From initial diagnosis to surgery and in-house physical therapy
✓ Conservative Approach First – We exhaust non-surgical options before recommending surgery
✓ Four Convenient Locations – Austin, Marble Falls, Georgetown, and Killeen
✓ Complimentary Second Opinions – Free review of your existing MRI/X-ray/CT scans
Our Locations
Austin Orthopedic Institute has four locations – Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, and Killeen. All of our providers go to the main office in Austin and our Georgetown location. Only Dr. Hurt visits our Marble Falls satellite location and only Dr. Robin visits the Killeen satellite location.
Austin
Marble Falls
Killeen
Georgetown
Related Services
Hip Pain & Surgery
Sports Medicine
Orthopedic Trauma
Physical Therapy
Austin Orthopedic Institute surgeons has been proudly serving Central Texas since 2004, providing exceptional orthopedic care with a personal touch. Your injury is unique to you—we treat it that way.