What it is
Panner’s disease is a self‑limiting disturbance of the blood supply to the capitellum in younger children. It causes temporary softening of cartilage and bone.
Management focuses on comfort, activity modification, and gradual return to play. Prognosis is excellent.
What happens when it occurs
Repetitive loading during growth can affect the development of bone. The area becomes tender and stiff, especially with extension. Rest and gentle mobility allow the bone to heal while the body recovers.
Common causes and risk factors
- Repetitive loading from play or early sport
- Growth spurts with reduced flexibility
- Occasional minor trauma
Who is most affected
Children are typically in their primary school years.
Typical symptoms
- Outer elbow ache after activity
- Stiffness and reduced extension
- Local tenderness over the capitellum
When to seek care
If pain limits play, if extension is restricted, or if swelling follows activity, then further evaluation is necessary.
How we diagnose
History and examination. X-ray images often reveal characteristic changes in many cases. MRI is rarely needed.
Management
- Reduce painful activities and avoid repeated lockouts
- Gentle range exercises and gradual return to play
- Strength for the shoulder and forearm appropriate to age
- Follow‑up to ensure steady recovery
Rehabilitation milestones
Phase 1 weeks 0–2: pain control, easy range, calm activities.
Phase 2 weeks 2–6: restore extension, light strength and play skills.
Phase 3 weeks 6–12: return to regular play and sport as comfort allows.
Readiness to progress
- Pain-free extension
- Return to play without next‑day soreness
- Age‑appropriate strength and control
Prevention
- Varied play and gradual sport volumes
- Encourage breaks from repeated lockout tasks
- Monitor comfort during growth spurts
Australia snapshot
- Seen in primary care and physiotherapy clinics
- Most children recover fully with activity modification
- Imaging access is broad where needed
Latest insights
This condition improves over time, with gentle movement and varied play speeds promoting recovery.
Avoid chasing full extension through pain; let range return steadily.
