Panner's Disease: Elbow Pain in Young Athletes
Does your child have elbow pain after gymnastics or throwing? Panner's disease is an osteochondritis typical of ages 5-10. Diagnosis and treatment in Milan.
Quick Answers
What is the difference between Panner's and osteochondritis dissecans?
Does it heal completely?
A 7-8 year old gymnast who starts complaining of elbow pain and can no longer fully straighten the arm: this is the typical presentation of Panner's disease.
It's an osteochondritis of the humeral capitellum — the lateral part of the lower end of the humerus that forms the elbow joint. It affects children aged 5 to 10, especially those in sports that repeatedly load the elbow: artistic gymnastics (handstands, parallel bars), throwing sports (baseball, javelin), and sometimes swimming.
The mechanism is similar to Köhler's disease in the foot: a temporary vascular insufficiency of the ossification center, which on X-ray appears fragmented or sclerotic — an image that can worry parents, but one that carries a generally favourable prognosis. In most cases the capitellum reconstitutes over 1-2 years and the elbow regains a complete or near-complete range of motion.
The most important distinction is with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow, which affects adolescents over 12 and has a very different prognosis: it can cause detachment of a loose fragment and require surgery. In Panner's disease surgery is rarely needed: treatment is usually rest from the causative activity and gentle maintenance of range of motion.
Assessment and treatment
When to seek evaluation
- Elbow pain during or after sports
- Limited full elbow extension
- Tenderness at the lateral capitellum
- Elbow swelling
- Pain in a young gymnast or thrower
What is evaluated
- Elbow range of motion assessment
- Capitellum palpation
- Elbow X-ray (fragmentation/sclerosis of the capitellum)
- Differential diagnosis with adolescent osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
- MRI in selected cases
Treatment options
- Rest from causative sports activity
- Elbow brace for comfort if needed
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises
- Alternative sports that don't load the elbow
- Gradual return to sports after symptom resolution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Panner's and osteochondritis dissecans?▼
Does it heal completely?▼
Is surgery ever needed?▼
Other Juvenile Osteochondroses
Osteochondroses are a family of growth-related conditions. Learn about the others:
Important Notice: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Each clinical case is unique: the appropriate treatment is determined during the specialist consultation, based on a thorough clinical examination and, where necessary, diagnostic imaging. For any doubts or concerns, please consult a specialist.