[6][7] In osteochondrosis, the blood supply to an area of developing bone in the dominant elbow is temporarily disrupted by something that is not yet well understood.

Normally, bones grow by the expansion and uniting of the growth plates, but osteochondrosis disrupts this process and the result is cell death and the loss of newly formed tissue.

[6] The bone tissue does regrow, but the necrosis can cause temporary problems in the affected area until the strenuous arm and elbow activity is significantly decreased or stopped for a period of time.

[6] It is believed that Panner Disease is a precursor to a similar condition called osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum (OCD).

[5] The location of where the pain is in the elbow, and the child's range of motion and extension will also be determined to make an accurate diagnosis.

[2][5] To prevent future instances of Panner Disease the child is instructed to cease all physical and sports activities that involve the use of the affected elbow until the symptoms are relieved[citation needed] The goal of treatment in Panner disease is to relieve pain.

Occasionally, it is recommended for children to use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen to also reduce pain and swelling.

[4] For treatment, Panner Disease heals well in children with rest and restriction of physical activity and sports using the affected arm.

When treatment is effective the flattened and fragmented capitellum is completely remodeled and returns to its normal circular shape, and also the high intensity signal on an MRI T2 series disappears.

[citation needed] Although the exact cause of Panner Disease is unknown, in recent research, it has been concluded that it may be associated with frequent throwing or other athletic activity.

[2] In alignment with the previously mentioned article, the team of researchers also concluded that Panner Disease involves irregularity of the capitellum, specifically that it appears flattened.

[2] In alignment with the two previously discussed articles, another article that reports on three case studies of Panner Disease, states that the primary treatment that is used for Panner Disease is rest and restriction from all physical and athletic activity that involves the use of the upper extremities; the activity is suggested to be ceased until the symptoms are relieved.