What is a common risk factor for developing osteochondritis dissecans?

Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition that typically affects the joints, particularly in adolescents and young adults. A common risk factor for developing this condition is high physical activity levels, especially in adolescents who are involved in sports that put significant stress on the joints, such as gymnastics, basketball, and football. The repetitive trauma or increased mechanical stress on the joint can lead to a breakdown of the bone and cartilage, resulting in osteochondritis dissecans.

In contrast, the other options presented do not align with the established risk factors for this condition. For instance, while age can play a role in the overall health of joints, osteochondritis dissecans primarily affects younger populations rather than those over 40 years. Similarly, gender does not significantly influence the risk of developing this condition, and prior knee surgeries are not a well-documented risk factor for osteochondritis dissecans specifically. Therefore, engaging in high levels of physical activity is the key risk factor that contributes to the likelihood of developing this condition.