Capitellar osteochondritis dissecans

It commonly concerns active young people whose sport repeatedly loads the elbow, such as throwing or weight-bearing through the arms. Early assessment matters because treatment depends on skeletal maturity and whether the affected area is stable.

The capitellum is the rounded outer part of the lower upper-arm bone that meets the radius. Repeated compression can disturb the supporting bone and overlying cartilage. Symptoms may include activity-related pain on the outer elbow, reduced straightening, swelling, clicking, catching, or locking.

A fragment that is unstable or has separated can interfere with joint movement. Examination and imaging help define the lesion rather than symptoms alone.

Pause throwing, gymnastics, heavy pressing, and other activities that reproduce elbow pain until assessed. Maintain comfortable movement without forcing the elbow, and avoid testing it repeatedly under load.

A sports or orthopaedic clinician may request X-rays or MRI to evaluate the bone, cartilage, growth plate, and stability. Stable lesions may be managed with load modification and guided rehabilitation. Persistent symptoms or an unstable fragment may lead to discussion of arthroscopic treatment or cartilage repair.

Arrange prompt assessment if the elbow locks, repeatedly catches, loses movement, or remains painful when throwing or bearing weight. Stop sport and seek urgent care after a new injury if the elbow is deformed, rapidly swelling, or cannot move, or if the hand becomes numb, cold, pale, or blue.

Ask whether the lesion appears stable, whether a fragment is loose, which activities must stop, how healing will be monitored, and what strength and movement targets should be met before returning to sport.