Your child has osteochondritis dissecans (oss-tee-oh-kon-DRITE-iss DISS-ih-kanz) of their elbow. Osteochondritis dissecans is a small area of damaged bone and cartilage (tissue that protects and supports bones) that can become loose or break away from the rest of the bone. Kids who have it usually have pain in the area, especially when they are active. If it's not treated, it can lead to continued pain, swelling, catching or locking of the joint, limited movement of the elbow, and sometimes arthritis (a condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness).

By following your health care provider's directions about completely resting the elbow and going to physical therapy, your child should heal well and be able to return to most of their usual activities within a few months. Full return to sports can take a little longer.

Follow your health care provider's instructions for:

• Wearing a cast, splint, or brace
• Resting the elbow and avoiding physical activities
• Making follow-up appointments
• Getting follow-up X-rays
• Going to physical therapy 
• When your child can go back to sports and other activities

If your child has pain, these may help: 

• Put ice in a plastic bag wrapped in a towel on the outside of the cast, splint, or brace for 20 minutes every 3 hours. Don't put ice directly on the cast, splint, brace, or skin.
• If your health care provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often.
• Help your child get their mind off the pain by:
  • Doing an activity they enjoy, like reading a book or watching a show together
  • Listening to relaxing music 

Your child:

• Has worsening pain
• Develops more swelling around the elbow
• Can't move their elbow
• Has symptoms that get better and then return

Why does osteochondritis dissecans happen? Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow usually happens after an injury or when the elbow has repeated stress or overuse from sports and other physical activities (such as throwing, tumbling, and carrying heavy objects). Genetic factors can also play a role in whether a child develops osteochondritis dissecans.

How is osteochondritis dissecans diagnosed? Usually, a plain X-ray will show if there is osteochondritis dissecans. Your child may need to get an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) if the osteochondritis dissecans area is small or to help your health care provider decide how best to treat it.

When can my child go back to their normal activities? Most kids need to completely rest the elbow for 4–6 weeks. After resting, they can slowly start activities, including physical therapy. Most kids can return to sports after 3–6 months.

Will my child need surgery? Some kids need surgery if the osteochondritis dissecans area is big or is not getting better with rest.