Abstract
The current study is to distinguish between osteochondrosis and osteochondritis, utilizing surface microscopy of individuals with documented pathology. Osteochondrosis is associated with smooth borders and gradient from edge to defect base, while osteochondritis and subchondral impaction fractures are associated with subsidence of the affected area of articular surface with irregular edges. The base of osteochondrosis is penetrated by multiple channels, smoothly perforate its surface, indistinguishable from unfused epiphyses, confirming their vascular nature.