Osteochondritis Dissecans (Bone Chips) in the Elbow

What is osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow?

Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow is a disorder in which fragments of bone or cartilage come loose and float around in the elbow joint. Cartilage is tough, smooth tissue that lines and cushions the surface of the joints. These chips usually come from the upper arm bone (humerus).

How does it occur?

The chips usually result from a forceful injury to the elbow joint or from a lack of blood supply to the bone. Throwing athletes and gymnasts may also have bone chips in the elbow.

What are the symptoms?

The elbow will hurt when moved and the elbow may click or lock. You may feel something inside the joint. The elbow may be swollen and you may not be able to completely straighten your arm.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and examine your elbow. You may need an X-ray or an MRI.

How is it treated?

The first treatment is to rest your elbow until the symptoms are gone. This may take up to a few weeks.

• Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables, wrapped in a cloth on the area every 3 to 4 hours, for up to 20 minutes at a time.
• Take an anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen, or other medicine as directed by your provider. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, do not take for more than 10 days.

Small bone chips or cartilage fragments that do not affect elbow motion and do not cause further pain do not need to be removed. Surgery may be needed to remove larger fragments and to repair the injured joint surface.

How long will the effects last?

The symptoms may continue until surgery is done to correct the problem.

When can I return to my normal activities?

Everyone recovers from an injury at a different rate. Return to your activities depends on how soon your elbow recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury has occurred. In general, the longer you have symptoms before you start treatment, the longer it will take to get better. The goal is to return to your normal activities as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury.

You may return to your activities when you are able to forcefully grip things, such as a bat or golf club, or do activities such as working at a keyboard without pain at your elbow. There should be no swelling around your injured elbow and it should have regained its normal strength compared to your uninjured elbow. You must have full range of motion of your elbow.

How can I prevent osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow?

Osteochondritis dissecans is usually caused by trauma to the elbow and is not preventable.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File orre3267.htm Release 13/2010