Parents Panner's Disease

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Never heard of it? Neither had we - or Flippers coaches (who have been coaching for long enough they have run into nearly everything). Flipper was diagnosed with Panner's about a month ago (MRI). It is a rare bone disease the affects elbows, mostly in 5-10 year old boys who play baseball ;>. Flipper is a 13 year old girl, so she really doesn't fit the typical profile.

Panner's has many of the same symptoms as tennis elbow, sore elbow that feels better if you stay off of it, etc. In hindsight, a clue that this was different is that Panner's causes swelling and loss in range of motion.

We've been told that by staying off the elbow, the bones will regenerate. Flipper is in a sling and has started physical therapy (to try to regain range of motion). She actually enjoyed the first couple of days away from gym, but is now driving us crazy!
 
i'm familiar with Panner's. i'm surprised cause she a bit old and she's a girl. must be just one of those things. the upside is that she may lose a bit of extension of the elbow joint. you won't have to worry about dislocating. it will resolve itself.:)
 
Flippers diagnosis was changed to OCD (Osteochondrosis Dessecans). She had surgery at the end of January. The surgeon was not able to reattach the cartilage (no bone attached), so just removed all the pieces. The chunk of cartilage was just over an inch long by half an inch wide - huge for a tiny gymnast. This will make it a struggle to compete at gymnastics, but Flipper continues to condition her lower body - hoping to make a comeback.

Her surgery was at a Children's Hospital. Spending time there put this injury in perspective. Flipper has a bum elbow and may not compete in gymnastics again. She does not have cancer. She is not in a wheelchair. Her overall health is good. This is not life threatening. I am thankful.
 
wow. so sorry to hear that. but never say never. and you're right...other than that she is alive!:)
 
Sending well wishes to Flipper! It warms my heart to hear how well you have put things in perspective. Speaking from experience and a great deal time at Children's Hospital, if it is not life threatening, be thankful!
 
Her surgery was at a Children's Hospital. Spending time there put this injury in perspective. Flipper has a bum elbow and may not compete in gymnastics again. She does not have cancer. She is not in a wheelchair. Her overall health is good. This is not life threatening. I am thankful.

I have to say when my DD just went to Children's Hospital for her MRI and specialist appointment that as my reaction as well. It sure put into perspective just how lucky we are.
 
Thanks for the update, I had wondered how she was doing. As you say she may not do gymnastics, but she will be strong and healthy again. I went through this with oldest DD and her spinal fusion, it was tough, but she was whole and healthy.
 
So sorry for what your dd has been through but your outlook is right on. There is much, much worse that children face medically.

My dd has a teammate who suffered from OCD. She was restricted to conditioning and skills not involving her arm for almost a year. She did PT several times a week with a facility specializing in gymnast rehabilitation. After missing a season, she is now back and better than ever. She is a successful optional gymnast. Her dance is beautiful as are her leap and jumps on beam. We joke that no one can compare to her front tucks. She is doing advanced tumbling passes without pain or inflamation (she still checks in with her PT for monitoring). Her mom was wary if returning to gymnastics was in her best interest medically but research uncovered a number of college gymnasts who made a comeback after OCD surgery. So don't count your dd out just yet. I think it is admirable that she is still practicing with her team. She must share your positive outlook on life.
 

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