Bernt Hardy Stage 3 is characterized by which finding?

Bernt Hardy Stage 3 is characterized by which finding?

• A. Small subchondral compression
• B. Partial detachment
• C. Complete detachment but not displaced
• D. Displaced fragment

Answer: (C)

In this staging, the key idea is how attached the osteochondral fragment is to its bed. Here, the fragment has become completely detached from the underlying bone, but it has not moved from its original spot within the joint surface. So you’d see a totally separated piece that remains seated in the crater rather than having shifted to a new position. This sits between partial detachment and a displaced loose body, reflecting a more severe lesion than a small compression or a partially detached fragment but not yet displaced.

In this staging, the key idea is how attached the osteochondral fragment is to its bed. Here, the fragment has become completely detached from the underlying bone, but it has not moved from its original spot within the joint surface. So you’d see a totally separated piece that remains seated in the crater rather than having shifted to a new position. This sits between partial detachment and a displaced loose body, reflecting a more severe lesion than a small compression or a partially detached fragment but not yet displaced.