Osteochondritis dissecans of the talus: diagnosis, treatment, and case report.

Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition in which, after undergoing necrosis, articular cartilage detaches and lodges in the contiguous joint. There are various theories as to the etiology, but Dr. Portillo believes that hereditary tendencies, trauma, and localized ischemia are among the causes. He describes a case that is typical except that the location is unusual.