Dr.karnav Panchal is a specialist in knee, hip, shoulder and elbow related problems. After completing his M.S. in orthopedics at B.J. Medical College, one of the prestigious institutes in India, he has been trained in the fields of joint replacement surgeries and sports injuries at Mumbai and South Korea.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the elbow is a condition that commonly affects young athletes, particularly those involved in throwing sports or gymnastics. It occurs when a small segment of bone and cartilage inside the elbow joint loses its blood supply, potentially leading to loose bone fragments, pain, and joint dysfunction.
Dr. Karnav Panchal, a leading orthopedic surgeon in Ahmedabad, specializes in diagnosing and treating elbow OCD using advanced, minimally invasive techniques to restore joint function and prevent long-term damage.
OCD is a joint condition in which a portion of subchondral bone (bone just beneath the cartilage) becomes damaged due to loss of blood supply. Over time, the overlying cartilage may also separate, leading to a loose fragment within the elbow joint.
It most commonly affects the capitellum, a part of the humerus (upper arm bone), and is frequently seen in:
Baseball pitchers
Gymnasts
Cricket bowlers
Athletes between 10 and 20 years of age
Repetitive overhead or weight-bearing activities
Excessive stress on the elbow joint
Microtrauma from sports or overuse
Poor throwing mechanics or early sports specialization
Family history (rarely)
Vague pain or aching in the outer elbow (lateral side)
Pain during throwing, pushing, or weight-bearing
Swelling or tenderness over the lateral elbow
Loss of range of motion
Clicking, catching, or locking sensation (if loose body present)
Weakness or reduced performance in sports
Early diagnosis is critical to prevent permanent joint damage.
Detailed history and clinical examination
X-rays to identify lesion location and severity
MRI to assess cartilage integrity and blood supply
CT scan (in some cases) for 3D evaluation
Comparison with the opposite elbow (if needed)
Ideal for stable, early-stage OCD lesions in younger patients:
Rest and activity restriction (avoid throwing, pushing, gymnastics)
Elbow bracing or splinting
Physical therapy to improve flexibility and muscle support
Serial imaging to monitor healing
Gradual return to sport over 3–6 months
✅ Early cases can heal fully with conservative care.
Recommended for unstable, detached, or non-healing OCD lesions, especially with loose bodies.
Arthroscopic debridement and loose body removal
Microfracture to stimulate new cartilage growth
Drilling to restore blood flow to the lesion
Fragment fixation (if the cartilage/bone piece is viable)
Osteochondral autograft or allograft transplantation in advanced cases
✅ Minimally invasive techniques allow faster recovery and joint preservation.
Pain relief and full return to sports
Prevention of early joint degeneration or arthritis
Restoration of elbow strength and range of motion
Avoidance of long-term complications like stiffness or deformity
Preservation of athletic performance in young athletes
You may need surgery if you:
Have persistent elbow pain after 3+ months of rest
Experience clicking or locking of the joint
Are diagnosed with an unstable or displaced lesion
Are an active sportsperson needing optimal joint recovery
Show no improvement with conservative therapy
✅ Extensive experience with pediatric and adolescent elbow injuries
✅ Expert in arthroscopic and joint-preserving procedures
✅ Patient-first care and detailed rehab planning
✅ Trusted by athletes and families across Ahmedabad and Gujarat
✅ Access to advanced imaging and surgical technologies
Dr. Karnav Panchal operates in Ahmedabad’s top orthopedic hospitals equipped with:
Robotic-assisted surgery systems (where available)
Computer-navigated instruments
Infection-controlled surgical suites
Dedicated rehab and physiotherapy units
Minimal access surgical tools for microplasty
Non-surgical treatment: 3–6 months with rest and rehab
Post-surgical recovery:
Light movement in 1–2 weeks
Strengthening at 4–6 weeks
Return to sports in 3–6 months, depending on healing and sport intensity
Dr. Karnav Panchal is trusted by families and sports professionals from Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Rajkot, Mehsana, and nearby cities for expert care in complex elbow conditions like OCD.
If untreated, it can cause long-term joint damage and affect sports performance.
Yes, early-stage OCD in growing children may heal with proper rest and bracing.
Throwing sports like baseball, cricket, gymnastics, and wrestling.
It’s rare in adults, but chronic or undiagnosed OCD in childhood can persist into adulthood.
Yes. With proper treatment and rehab, most athletes return to full activity.
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