Rehabilitation of Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) Lesions in Gymnasts: A Review of Current Concepts and Treatment

Capitellar osteochondral dissecans (OCD) is a prevalent condition in competitive gymnasts. While evidence-based guidelines for management of OCD are available in baseball players, this is not the case for gymnasts. OCD can be managed surgically with an Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS) procedure followed by rehabilitation or conservatively with rehabilitation alone. A comprehensive approach to rehabilitation of OCD, integrating a criterion-based progression, may optimize return to sport success. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to review the literature and summarize current concepts in rehabilitation following both surgical intervention and conservative management of OCD in gymnasts.