Your doctor diagnoses osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow based on your symptoms, clinical examination, and x-rays. X-rays may be ordered by your doctor to confirm the diagnosis or to exclude other problems.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the elbow is a condition in which a piece of bone and cartilage are at risk of loosening and separating from the elbow joint. The bone supporting the joint surface looses its blood supply and a piece of bone and cartilage will eventually separate from the joint, causing pain, limited motion and degeneration of the elbow joint.
OCD of the elbow can occur from several possible causes. These include:
OCD of the elbow may cause pain on the outside of the elbow. A child should stop throwing if any of the following symptoms occur:
Treatment depends on the age of the patient and the stability (looseness) of the OCD. Younger pa-tients who are still growing and have stable lesions may heal with discontinuing throwing or weight bearing activity and rest.
Unstable lesions in older patients frequently need treatment with surgery. Surgery may involve re-moving loose bone fragments from the joint and/or drilling into the OCD lesion to stimulate healing.
Usually osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow does not cause permanent damage. If caught early enough and treated properly by an orthopaedic physician, the elbow will heal completely.
