Chipped Bone
What to Do about a Chipped Bone
Pain and stiffness in a joint such as an elbow could indicate a chipped bone. An x-ray may be needed to diagnose this painful condition in order to begin treatment.
Bones are the very essence of our being. Our structures are formed around and within the skeleton, which give the human body support, protection and shape. We may often take our bones for granted; pushing them up to and beyond their limits by overdoing our everyday activities. Extreme sports account for many injuries with one of them, a bone chip, occurring often in professional sports.
Osteochondritis dissencans is the scientific name for a chipped bone. The disorder occurs when, for some reason or another, blood supply is denied to the end of a bone at the joint end. The bone section may stay attached with no issue at all, or it may gradually loosen and pull apart from the rest of the bone. Usually this will be just a very small section.
Individuals most likely to incur a chipped bone are teenagers and young adults, and most frequently occur in the joints of the body; the knee, the elbow, the ankle and hips. Basketball players often experience this disorder in their knees, while the elbows of baseball players are affected. Gymnasts are also quite susceptible to getting a bone chip, usually in the ankle, elbow or knee.
The symptoms of chipped bone injury are evident. Pain is the most reported symptom, along with swelling and tenderness, but limping, joint locking, joint collapse and joint stiffening can also accompany this disorder. The joint may also “click” when moved.
When diagnosed, treatment of chipped bone can vary depending on the situation. A complete resting of the joint is necessary, with icing of the area needed to reduce swelling. Medication, such as an anti inflammatory to help with swelling or a pain medication to ease discomfort may also be prescribed. If the bone chip is large, surgery may be required to remove it; small chips are generally not removed.
Often, as soon as the inflammation has been relieved and the pain is completely gone, it is safe to return to the sport or activity that may have been the cause of the bone chip injury. It is important to wait until a full recovery is confirmed, since returning to an active lifestyle too quickly will not only hamper recovery but could worsen it. Regaining full range of motion is the goal before getting back to the activity.
The pain and swelling associated with a bone chip injury will be your first clue that something is amiss. Getting immediate treatment to begin the healing process will get you back on the road to recovery and back into your favorite sport or activity as soon as possible.