title: Acute Osteochondral Fractures in the Lower Extremities - Approach to Identification and Treatment.
abstract: Chondral and osteochondral fractures of the lower extremities are important injuries because they can cause pain and dysfunction and often lead to osteoarthritis. These injuries can be misdiagnosed initially which may impact on the healing potential and result in poor long-term outcome. This comprehensive review focuses on current pitfalls in diagnosing acute osteochondral lesions, potential investigative techniques to minimize diagnostic errors as well as surgical treatment options. Acute osteochondral fractures are frequently missed and can be identified more accurately with specific imaging techniques. A number of different methods can be used to fix these fractures but attention to early diagnosis is required to limit progression to osteoarthritis. These fractures are common with joint injuries and early diagnosis and treatment should lead to improved long term outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Pedersen
authors.affiliation: CF Health Services Centre, Ottawa, Canada.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: DaCambra
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Jibri
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dhillon
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jen
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Jomha
keywords: Chondral injuries; lower extremity; osteoarthritis prevention; osteochondral fractures; pathophysiology; treatment