My son was recently diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), so I will post his experiences and what we learn for the benefit of those who are looking for information. I am keeping an Evernote notebook of everything I read on the subject, and I would be happy to make it available. Here is an excellent review of the studies on treatment of OCD: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3435938/
Son is a 2016, 16 years old, 6'1" right handed pitcher and still growing (if he wasn't we probably wouldn't be having this conversation). This injury is not due to over use. Due to a "trigger point" or muscle spasm in his back in the early part of the season, he only pitched 18 innings (3 games) in the high school season. We have followed the ASMI/Dr. James Andrews recommendations for pitchers. He doesn't touch a baseball during basketball season. OCD is a repetitive use injury, but not necessarily due to over use. Some athletes just have a predisposition for it.
After the season, he experienced significant pain in the elbow and didn't have full range of motion. He also described a "hit the funny bone" or electric shock feeling going down his forearm at times. The range of motion was slightly limited, but there was no locking of the joint or grinding sensation. We treated with ice, rest and anti-inflammatories; it seemed to improve. I figured he had tendinitis and had him checked out by our GP. He was concerned and sent us to a hand/elbow specialist with special interest in sports injuries.
After an x-ray and going over son's history, the dr. quickly diagnosed OCD and ordered an MRI. Yesterday, we had the meeting to review the MRI. It revealed a small, centrally located lesion. There are no loose bodies floating around. So, he has OCD but it is not severe and there are no complicating factors. After discussing the treatment options, we will proceed with the arthroscopic surgery: debridement(getting rid of the damaged tissue) with microfracture to promote growth of blood vessels and replacement of the cartilage. It is an outpatient procedure. The tissue that replaces the hyaline cartilage is fibrocartilage which is not as good, but should function fine in a very small spot.
A conservative approach has him returning to pitching around Jan. 1. Other sports activity might begin in 3. We shall see. The next step is to schedule the surgery.