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Panner Disease and OCD of Elbow Capitellum, Sports Medicine

Holly J. Benjamin, MD, FAAP, FACSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

Panner disease and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), conditions of the pediatric elbow, are commonly the result of overuse, particularly in the young throwing athlete and gymnasts. 

DESCRIPTION

Pa...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Often insidious onset of elbow pain with activity:

    • Acute, sudden onset is rare.

  • Pain is relieved with rest.

  • Pain is often lateral, but diffuse pain can occur.

  • Restricted range of motion i...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

Analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used as necessary for pain relief. 

ISSUES FOR REFERRAL

  • Panner disease:

    • Persistent pain or symptoms despite appropr...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Return to activity: 
  • Gradual progressive return to activity and sports can begin after a period of rest when patient is asymptomatic.

  • Physical the...

REFERENCES

1
Kijowski R, De Smet AA. MRI findings of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum with surgical correlation. AJR Am J Roentgenol.  2005;185(6):1453–1459.
2
Baker CLIII, Romeo AA, Bake...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Claessen FM, Louwerens JK, Doomberg JN, et al. Panner’s disease: literature review and treatment recommendations. J Child Orthop.  2015;9(1):9–17.

  • Churchill RW, Munoz J, Ahmad C...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Panner disease and OCD of the elbow capitellum are common causes of elbow pain and disability in young adolescent athletes.

  • Repetitive overuse of the elbow, such as in throwing sports, ...

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