What is an osteochondral defect in a runner?

A few minutes ago I was on a second opinion telemedicine call with runner who was told he had an MRI showing an “osteochondral defect.” 

The doctor told him to stop running.

If a joint surface gets damage, you may develop a little soft-spot called an “osteochondral defect.” 

Just because you have an osteochondral defect, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to stop running, but you do need to figure out whether or not it's actually a problem that could get worse if you don't address it.

Today on the Doc On The Run Podcast we're talking about osteochondral defects in runners.