OSTEOCHONDRITIS-DISSECANS IN A YOUNG PITCHER - WHY EARLY RECOGNITION MATTERS

Osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum is an unusual, but not rare, complication of repetitive stress to the skeletally immatur e elbow, This case report of a Little League player demonstrates how u ntreated underlying osteochondrosis resulted in permanent disability, Radiographs are essential, The differential diagnosis includes infecti on, cysts, and Panner's disease, For nondisplaced fragments, rest is i ndicated until pain resolves and range of motion returns; surgery or a rthroscopy may be needed to remove or repair displaced fragments.