Osteochondritis Dissecans-OCD

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the shoulder is a rare condition in which the subchondral (beneath the cartilage) bone is injured and causes pain. Early lesions (injured areas) identified by a MRI scan can heal with rest. Over time, OCD lesions can progress with resorption or loss of bone, as well as loosening of the bone fragment and overlying cartilage. Eventually, this fragment can come loose as the unsupported overlying cartilage cracks leaving a hole in the smooth joint surface.