Capitellar OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans)
Lateral elbow pain in young throwers and gymnasts.
This affects mainly adolescent athletes in overhead or upper-extremity weight-bearing sports. Repetitive microtrauma can damage the bone and cartilage of the capitellum, causing lateral elbow pain, loss of extension, and sometimes locking. Early stable lesions may heal with rest and follow-up imaging, while unstable lesions or loose bodies often need surgery.
Symptoms
- Outer elbow pain during sport
- Loss of extension
- Swelling after activity
- Catching or locking
Conservative treatment
- Strict rest from throwing and upper-limb loading
- Physical Therapy for motion
- Technique correction
- MRI or CT follow-up
When is surgery needed?
Arthroscopy with drilling, microfracture, fixation, or loose body removal for unstable lesions.