Etiology of osteochondroses is typically unknown; some of the disorders have a familial component, but inheritance is complex. Osteochondroses differ in their anatomic distribution, course, and prognosis; they typically cause pain and have important orthopedic implications. Common examples include
Rare osteochondroses and the involved bones include Freiberg disease Freiberg Disease Freiberg disease is avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head. Pain is most pronounced with weight bearing. Diagnosis is confirmed with x-rays. Treatment includes corticosteroid injections,... read more (head of 2nd metatarsal), Panner disease (capitulum), and Blount disease Genu varum The 2 major types of knee or femoral-tibial angular deformities are genu varum (bowlegs) and genu valgum (knock-knees). Untreated, both can cause osteoarthritis of the knee in adulthood. (See... read more 
(proximal tibia). Sever disease Epiphysitis of the Calcaneus Epiphysitis of the calcaneus is painful disruption between the calcaneal apophysis and the body of the heel that occurs before calcaneal ossification is complete. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment... read more (calcaneal apophysitis) is a more common osteochondrosis.
