Osteochondritis of the elbow is where bone and cartilage separate from other tissues in the elbow. It occurs due to a lack of blood flow and is common in young athletes in sports that involve overhead motions.
The elbow is a joint that connects the upper arm to the forearm. This joint allows a person to bend their arm and position their wrist. Like other joints, it consists of bones, cartilage, and blood vessels.
Osteochondritis of the elbow refers to when injury, or repetitive stress on the joint from sports, affects blood flow to the joint. This reduction in blood flow can then affect bone and cartilage in the joint, causing them to separate. This can result in pain and limited range of motion that may require rest, or surgery in more severe cases.
The term osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) describes when a small segment of bone and cartilage in a joint begins to separate from its surroundings. It typically occurs due to a loss of sufficient blood supply to the area.
As such, OCD of the elbow refers to injury to the bone and cartilage in the elbow joint. Usually, this condition often occurs in young athletes, particularly those who participate in sports with repeated overhead motion. However, it can also occur in adults.
A 2019 review refers to older research noting that OCD of the elbow is the third most common type of osteochondritis dissecans, after the knee and ankle.
OCD of the elbow occurs due to insufficient blood supply to the elbow. When the bone and cartilage cannot receive suitable blood flow, it can cause them to die. This may result in them separating from the surrounding tissues, which can lead to pain and a loss of full joint motion.
While the exact cause is not currently known, it likely involves repetitive trauma or stresses to the bone over time.
OCD of the elbow mainly develops in individuals who participate in activities that involve overhead motions. As such, OCD of the elbow is more common in sports such as:
- baseball or softball
- gymnastics
- weightlifting
- tennis
The elbow joint consists of 3 bones: the humerus, ulna, and radius. The humerus is the upper arm bone and features two smooth surfaces at the lower end. On the inside of the elbow is the trochlea, and the capitellum is on the outside of the elbow. OCD of the elbow trochlea is rare, while OCD of the elbow capitellum occurs more often.
Additionally, younger people are more likely to develop OCD of the elbow than adults. Evidence also notes that genetic factors may play a role, as the condition can run in families and is
The most common symptom of OCD of the elbow is pain. Usually, this pain will worsen following activity. Other possible symptoms may include:
- difficulty straightening the elbow joint fully
- swelling or stiffness
- elbow joint popping or locking
Initially, a doctor or orthopedic specialist may ask questions about symptoms, then perform a physical exam of the elbow to test for pain, swelling, and range of motion.
Typically, a doctor will then request imaging tests of the elbow. This may include:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- ultrasound
These tests are helpful to better assess the joint and severity of the injury. As such, these imaging scans can help guide treatment options.
In some cases, it may be difficult to differentiate OCD of the elbow from other conditions that affect this joint. This may include Panner disease or inflamed posterolateral plica of the elbow.
The severity of the injury can help guide treatment options. In some cases, conservative treatment may be sufficient in the early stages of the condition. This may involve avoiding activities that cause elbow pain for 3 to 6 months, as well as using a splint to immobilize the joint. It may also be advisable to undergo physical therapy to help strengthen the joint and restore mobility.
In more serious cases, surgery may be necessary if the joint is unstable, has loose fragments, or conservative treatment is unsuccessful. Usually, the surgical methods will involve removing any remaining loose fragments and replacing damaged bone and cartilage with tissue from elsewhere in the body.
Recovery from OCD of the elbow will depend on the extent of the injury. For example, if a person requires surgery, it may take roughly 6 months for them to gradually return to sports after allowing the elbow to completely heal.
Osteochondritis of the elbow is a joint condition that can cause pain and reduce range of motion. It is common in young athletes who perform overhead motions, such as in baseball or gymnastics. It occurs when repetitive stress on the joint leads to a reduction in blood flow. The lack of blood flow can then cause bone and cartilage to separate from other tissues in the joint.
A physical exam and imaging tests can help diagnose OCD of the elbow and guide treatment. In early stages of the condition, rest, bracing, and physical therapy may be sufficient treatment. In more severe cases, or if conservative treatment does not work, a person may require surgery.
