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Shoulder Elbow 2019 Apr 13;11(2):129-136. Epub 2018 Feb 13.

Upper Limb Unit, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands.

Background: Diagnosing capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) can be difficult, causing delay in treating young athletes. The main aim of this retrospective diagnostic study was to determine which radiological technique is preferred to identify and classify elbow OCD.

Methods: We identified young patients who underwent elbow arthroscopy because of symptomatic OCD. Read More

JSES Open Access 2018 Jul 10;2(2):126-128. Epub 2018 Apr 10.

Orthopedic Department, Japanese Red Cross Hospital Nagoya Daiichi, Nagoya, Japan.

Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2019 Mar;12(1):1-12

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.

Purpose Of The Review: To review the most recent literature on osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the capitellum in overhead athletes and describe a treatment algorithm based on current best evidence and surgeon experience.

Recent Findings: Recent research has included larger cohort studies with longer follow-up as well as quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses. These studies have focused on understanding how lesion characteristics such as size, location, and appearance on advanced imaging can predict treatment success. Read More

J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2018 Oct 22;27(10):1762-1769. Epub 2018 Jun 22.

Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA. Electronic address:

Background: The location of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in the sagittal plane guides the surgical approach used for autologous osteochondral transplantation. We sought to compare the capitellar region accessible for orthogonal graft placement through 3 approaches: (1) posterior anconeus-split approach; (2) lateral approach with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) preservation (LCL-preserving lateral approach); and (3) lateral approach with LCL release (LCL-sacrificing lateral approach).

Methods: The 3 approaches were sequentially performed on 9 cadaveric elbows: posterior anconeus-split approach, LCL-preserving lateral approach, and LCL-releasing lateral approach. Read More

J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2018 Sep 22;27(9):1642-1649. Epub 2018 Jun 22.

Department of Physical Therapy, Akita University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Akita, Japan.

Background: Although the pronator teres muscle, a major dynamic stabilizer of elbow valgus stress during throwing, frequently presents stiffness, its relationship with elbow injuries in youth baseball players is unknown. This study investigated the relationship between the elasticity of the pronator teres muscle and elbow injuries in youth baseball players.

Methods: The strain ratio (SR) of 15 individuals with osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum (OCD group), 67 individuals with medial epicondylar fragmentation (medial injury group), and 115 healthy individuals (control group) was measured as the index of the elasticity of the pronator teres muscle using ultrasound strain elastography. Read More

J Bone Joint Surg Am 2018 Jun;100(11):e80

J Bone Joint Surg Am 2018 Jun;100(11):903-913

Clinical Research Center, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan.

Background: Costal osteochondral grafting is a technique to achieve anatomical and biological repair of articular defects. Some small series of clinical applications of this procedure for advanced osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum, with short-term follow-up, have been reported; however, longer-term outcomes remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify longer-term clinical outcomes of costal osteochondral autografts in the treatment of advanced osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum. Read More

Am J Sports Med 2018 Jul 8;46(8):1943-1951. Epub 2018 May 8.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.

Background: Autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty (ie, mosaicplasty) results in satisfactory clinical outcomes and reliable return to play for patients with large or unstable lesions due to osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum. However, the association between the healing of the reconstructed cartilage and clinical outcomes remains unclear.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of mosaicplasty in teenage athletes through use of clinical scores and imaging. Read More

Orthop J Sports Med 2018 Apr 18;6(4):2325967118769059. Epub 2018 Apr 18.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow has almost exclusively been described in the humeral capitellum, with only a small number of reports describing secondary osteochondral changes in the radial head.

Hypothesis: The authors hypothesized that concomitant radial head lesions (RHLs) would be seen with capitellar OCD and that patients with RHLs would present with more advanced capitellar OCD lesions and would respond better to procedures restoring articular congruity.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Read More

J Hand Surg Am 2018 Nov 17;43(11):1039.e1-1039.e7. Epub 2018 Apr 17.

Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY. Electronic address:

Purpose: The location of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in the sagittal plane guides the surgical approach, and lesion location in the coronal plane influences surgical management. Although most lesions have been reported to occur between 4 o'clock and 4:30 (120° to 135° anterior to the humerus), some lesions are located elsewhere in the capitellum. The primary aim was to define the region of the capitellum affected by OCD lesions using a novel clock-face localization system. Read More

Int Orthop 2018 05 15;42(5):1201. Epub 2018 Mar 15.

Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2018 May 21;27(5):923-930. Epub 2018 Feb 21.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.

Background: Predictive factors for the development of osteoarthritis in adolescent osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum remain unclear. The objectives of this study were to assess subchondral bone density in the radial head fovea of patients with OCD and to evaluate stress distribution in the radiocapitellar joint. The relationship between radiologic classification and stress distribution, according to multivariate ordinal regression analysis, was also investigated. Read More

Int Orthop 2018 03 18;42(3):601-607. Epub 2018 Jan 18.

Sports Medicine Service, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, No.31, Xin Jie Kou Dong Jie Street, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, China.

Purpose: We present a systematic review of the recent literatures regarding the arthroscopic and open technique in fragment fixation for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum and an analysis of the subjective and objective outcomes between these two procedures.

Methods: PubMed and EMBASE were reviewed for suitable articles relating to fragment fixation for OCD, both open and arthroscopic. We included all studies reporting on the clinical outcomes of these two procedures that were published in the English language. Read More

J Orthop Sci 2018 Mar 22;23(2):213-219. Epub 2017 Dec 22.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum is a critical elbow injury in adolescent overhead throwing athletes. However, its etiology remains unknown. Medical examinations using ultrasonography found that the prevalence of capitellar OCD among adolescent baseball players was approximately from 1% to 3%. Read More

Pediatr Radiol 2018 03 16;48(3):359-365. Epub 2017 Nov 16.

Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Barnhill Drive, Rm. 1053, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.

Background: Fishtail deformity is a rare deformity of the humerus exhibiting concavity of the lateral trochlea, resulting in ulnotrochlear joint derangement. We wanted to share our experience that osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum is a common associated complication.

Objective: To summarize imaging of fishtail deformity in children centered on complications of the radiocapitellar joint. Read More

Am J Sports Med 2017 Dec 2;45(14):3331-3339. Epub 2017 Oct 2.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shimada Hospital, Habikino, Japan.

Background: Clinical studies have reported satisfactory results after osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) for central lesions of unstable osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow. However, the outcomes after OAT for lateral lesions remain unclear.

Hypothesis: The clinical outcomes of OAT would be better for central lesions than for lateral lesions. Read More

Orthop J Sports Med 2017 Sep 14;5(9):2325967117727531. Epub 2017 Sep 14.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka Police Hospital, Osaka, Japan.

Background: Treatment of advanced osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is controversial, especially in moderate-sized lesions.

Purpose: To establish a treatment algorithm for capitellum OCD, we tried to determine the utility of and problems associated with anconeus muscle-pedicle bone graft with periosteal coverage (ABGP) for the treatment of moderate-sized articular OCD defects of the capitellum.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Read More

Orthop J Sports Med 2017 May 24;5(5):2325967117707703. Epub 2017 May 24.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan.

Background: Traction apophysitis of medial epicondyle (MEC) lesions and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum are common elbow injuries in adolescent baseball players. However, the age-specific prevalence of these pathologies and their influence on elbow pain remain unknown.

Purpose: To investigate the age-specific prevalence of each MEC lesion and capitellar OCD and to identify the incidence of elbow pain in each condition. Read More

Arthroscopy 2017 Jul 13;33(7):1412-1420.e1. Epub 2017 Apr 13.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A.

Purpose: To determine the rate of return to play and to identify lesion or osteochondral graft characteristics that may influence the return to competitive athletics after osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) for symptomatic osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A duplicate search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases was performed, beginning from the database inception dates through July 2016, for all articles evaluating the return to play after OAT for OCD lesions of the capitellum. Read More

Orthop J Sports Med 2017 Mar 1;5(3):2325967117692513. Epub 2017 Mar 1.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions are often observed in the humeral capitellum both in young baseball players and gymnasts. It is generally believed that capitellar OCD in baseball players can be seen on an anteroposterior (AP) radiograph with the elbow in 45° of flexion. However, the mechanism of injury seems to be different in baseball players and gymnasts. Read More

Hand (N Y) 2016 12 24;11(4):396-402. Epub 2016 Aug 24.

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is a painful condition, which often affects young throwing athletes. Our current understanding regarding the etiology, risks factors, diagnosis, and efficacy of the available treatment options has expanded over recent years, however remains suboptimal. Recent data on patient-reported outcomes following osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) for the treatment of large osteochondral lesions of the capitellum have been promising but limited. Read More

J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2017 Apr 10;26(4):589-595. Epub 2017 Jan 10.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Oakland, Oakland, CA, USA. Electronic address:

Background: There are excellent data supporting recommendations to prevent elbow injuries (osteochondritis dissecans [OCD] and ulnar collateral ligament [UCL] injuries), such as pitch count and pitch type in baseball, but anatomic risk factors have not been thoroughly examined. This study aimed to evaluate radiographic measurements in adolescents with elbow OCD lesions or UCL injuries and controls.

Methods: We retrospectively identified adolescent patients between 2011 and 2016 with isolated capitellum OCD, UCL tear, or normal elbows based on magnetic resonance imaging. Read More

Arthrosc Tech 2016 Jun 20;5(3):e633-6. Epub 2016 Jun 20.

Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital of Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum is characterized by separation of a circumscript area of the articular surface and the subchondral bone in juvenile patients. In advanced lesions, arthroscopic fragment refixation or fragment removal with microfracturing or drilling can be successful. The purpose of this technical note is to describe an all-arthroscopic surgical technique for 3-dimensional purely autologous chondrocyte transplantation for osteochondral lesions of the humeral capitellum. Read More

Am J Sports Med 2016 Dec 11;44(12):3171-3178. Epub 2016 Aug 11.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.

Background: Bone peg grafting (BPG) has been advocated for early-stage humeral capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (COCD). However, the clinical and radiological results of BPG, along with its indications, have not been described in detail.

Hypothesis: COCD classified as International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) I or II in adolescent baseball players can be treated successfully by BPG. Read More

Am J Sports Med 2016 Aug;44(8):NP43

Kida Y, Morihara T, Kotoura Y, Hojo T, Tachiiri H, Sukenari T, Iwata Y, Furukawa R, Oda R, Arai Y, Fujiwara H, Kubo T. Prevalence and clinical characteristics of osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum among adolescent baseball players. Am J Sports Med. Read More

J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol 2016 06;21(2):257-61

1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Japan.

We report two rare cases of osteochondral dissecans of the humeral capitellum, each associated with a large subchondral cyst. The procedure employed for reconstruction of the massive bone defect yielded excellent clinical and radiological outcomes in both cases, and therefore seems promising for treatment of osteochondritis dissecans. Read More

J Orthop Trauma 2016 Aug;30(8):S3-4

*Keiyu Orthopaedic Hospital, Sports Medical Center; †Kurume University Medical Center; and ‡Department of rehabilitation, Keiyu Orthopaedic Hospital.

Objectives: LIPUS has been reported to promote bone union in pseudoarthrosis and delayed fracture union as well as to have a beneficial effect in shortening the duration of bone healing in fresh fractures. The purpose of this study was to examine whether LIPUS has an accelerating effect on healing OCD.

Subjects And Methods: From 2008 to 2012, cases with advanced-stage OCD were randomized, and the study was conducted on 51 patients (LIPUS group) who enabled us to decide the treatment efficacy, and gave consent after receiving an explanation on the benefit of LIPUS. Read More

J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 2016 04;24(1):51-6

Center for Hand, Elbow and Sports Medicine, Izumi Orthopedics Hospital, Japan.

Purpose: To review the outcome of bone-peg grafting for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) grade II lesions of the humeral capitellum.

Methods: Records of 10 male adolescent baseball players aged 10 to 15 (mean, 12.3) years who underwent bone-peg grafting for OCD grade II lesions of the humeral capitellum of the dominant arm were reviewed. Read More

World J Orthop 2016 Feb 18;7(2):102-8. Epub 2016 Feb 18.

Christiaan JA van Bergen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a disorder of articular cartilage and subchondral bone. In the elbow, an OCD is localized most commonly at the humeral capitellum. Teenagers engaged in sports that involve repetitive stress on the elbow are at risk. Read More

Kobe J Med Sci 2015 Apr 22;61(2):E36-9. Epub 2015 Apr 22.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan.

Avascular necrosis of the humeral capitellum (Panner's disease), a relatively rare disorder in the juvenile. We diagnosed three patients using radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging, who were previously misdiagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum. All patients were successfully treated by restriction of sports activities using the upper extremities. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2015 Sep;94(36):e1470

From the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) occurs frequently in the humeral capitellum of the upper extremity, whereas OCD involving the trochlear groove (trochlear groove OCD) is rarely reported. A standard treatment for trochlear groove OCD has therefore not been determined, although several methods have been tried.The case of a 14-year-old male gymnast with bilateral trochlear groove OCD is presented. Read More

Am J Sports Med 2015 Oct 13;43(10):2452-8. Epub 2015 Aug 13.

Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA

Background: Articular reconstruction is recommended for some unstable capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions. Capitellar osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) through an open approach for optimal visualization and perpendicular graft implantation has been advocated. However, arthroscopic capitellar OAT may achieve the same treatment goals with decreased morbidity and ability to treat the entire joint for pathologic changes. Read More

J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2015 Jul 7;24(7):1098-105. Epub 2015 May 7.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA. Electronic address:

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is a condition most commonly seen in adolescents involved in repetitive overhead sports and can profoundly affect ability to return to play and long-term elbow function. Treatment of large, unstable defects in the elbow with osteochondral autograft plug transfer has not been adequately studied.

Methods: We retrospectively identified 11 teenaged patients with large (>1 cm(2)) capitellar OCD treated with osteochondral autograft plug transfer. Read More

J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2015 Oct 5;24(10):1613-8. Epub 2015 May 5.

Shoulder and Elbow Unit, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Background: The radiographic appearance of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum varies according to the stage of the lesion. It is important to evaluate the stage of OCD lesion carefully to guide treatment. We compared the interobserver reliability of currently used classification systems for OCD of the humeral capitellum to identify the most reliable classification system. Read More

Am J Sports Med 2015 May 3;43(5):1057-65. Epub 2015 Mar 3.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.

Background: Various procedures, such as arthroscopic debridement, osteochondral transplantation, and bone plug fixation, have been described for the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum. However, the use of hydroxyapatite/poly-L-lactate acid (HA/PLLA) thread pins to fix the osteochondral fragment in an OCD lesion is a recent development.

Hypothesis: Adolescent throwing athletes would return to preinjury levels of function after arthroscopic osteochondral fragment fixation using HA/PLLA thread pins. Read More

Asia Pac J Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Technol 2015 Apr 24;2(2):56-62. Epub 2015 Feb 24.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan.

Background: The clinical use of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) was recently evaluated in cases of osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum (elbow OCD). However, the mechanism underlying the effect of LIPUS in elbow OCD is not well understood. The aim of this study was to histopathologically evaluate the effect of LIPUS irradiation on elbow OCD. Read More

Arthroscopy 2015 May 28;31(5):843-9. Epub 2015 Jan 28.

Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the donor zone of most congruent topographic match by comparing 4 donor sites from the femur with 4 potential recipient sites of osteochondritis dissecans at the capitellum.

Methods: Computed tomography was performed on 5 right elbows and 6 right medial and 6 right lateral distal femoral hemicondyles, which included the femoral notch. Three-dimensional computed tomography models were created and exported into point-cloud models. Read More

J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2014 Dec 16;23(12):1888-1897. Epub 2014 Sep 16.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Yokohama, Japan.

Background: Advanced-stage osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum affecting the lateral wall may result in osteoarthritis, and suitable treatment is needed to avoid permanent deformation and impaired function. We aimed to assess postoperative outcomes of costal osteochondral autograft for treatment of this condition.

Methods: We included 22 young overhead athletes (mean age, 13. Read More

J Orthop Sci 2014 Nov 8;19(6):907-12. Epub 2014 Sep 8.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan,

Background: Ultrasound is suitable for routine examinations of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans because it can visualize both the subchondral bone and the overlying articular cartilage non-invasively. The radial head interferes with the sonographically visible area of the articular surface of the humeral capitellum, although the precise extent of this is currently unknown. This study aimed to investigate the visible area of the humeral capitellum using both anterior and posterior ultrasonographic scans. Read More

Am J Sports Med 2014 Aug 18;42(8):1963-71. Epub 2014 Jun 18.

Department of Orthopaedics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan Department of Rehabilitation, University Hospital, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.

Background: The prevalence and clinical characteristics of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum among adolescent baseball players are unknown.

Purpose: To determine the OCD prevalence in adolescent competitive baseball players and to investigate the clinical characteristics of these patients.

Study Design: Cross-sectional and case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Read More

Am J Sports Med 2014 Aug 9;42(8):1972-7. Epub 2014 May 9.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.

Background: Treatment for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (COCD) lesions is usually based on their stability from the bony floor after arthroscopic or open direct observation. Thus, a noninvasive means of lesion stability assessment by use of imaging is desirable to preoperatively determine treatment strategy.

Purpose: To evaluate our modified MRI staging system for COCD, we compared the results of MRI staging with the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) classification for lesion stability. Read More

Ortop Traumatol Rehabil 2014 Jan-Feb;16(1):79-90

Department of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Prof. Adam Gruca Teaching Hospital, Otwock, Poland.

The article presents a case of an adolescent patient suffering from osteochondritis of the humeral capitellum. Early symptoms of this disease appeared at an age typically associated with the onset of both Panner's disease and Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum. About two years after the onset of the early symptoms, the patient reported to a specialised clinic. Read More

Orthop J Sports Med 2014 Apr 22;2(4):2325967114530840. Epub 2014 Apr 22.

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. ; Cleveland Clinic Sports Health Center, Garfield Heights, Ohio, USA.

Background: There is a paucity of information regarding the effect of lesion location on surgical outcomes in the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum.

Purpose: To survey the literature for conclusions that can be drawn regarding the effect of lesion location on treatment of capitellar OCD lesion. The hypothesis was that lesion severity and the need for more aggressive surgical interventions are increased for lesions that are located laterally on the capitellum. Read More

Injury 2013 Sep;44 Suppl 3:S46-8

St Catherine Specialty Hospital, Bracak 8, Zabok, Croatia. Electronic address:

We report on 2 cases of hyperextension/valgus elbow injuries in two adult male national team water polo goalkeepers. Both were healthy and had never sustained any major injuries of the elbow. Mechanism and type of injury in both of them was identical. Read More

Am J Sports Med 2013 Aug 7;41(8):1909-14. Epub 2013 Jun 7.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka Medical College, 2-7, Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan.

Background: The repetitive, excessive compression forces in the radiocapitellar joint caused by elbow valgus stresses during throwing motions can result in osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum in adolescent athletes.

Purpose: To assess the effect of elbow valgus torque on contact pressure in the radiocapitellar joint and that of central and lateral capitellar osteochondral defects on radiocapitellar joint contact pressure, elbow valgus laxity, and ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) strain.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Read More

Chir Main 2012 Sep 9;31(4):206-9. Epub 2012 Aug 9.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Monastir, Tunisia.

The etiology of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is unknown but has generally been attributed to repetitive microtrauma or ischemia. We present a case report of a handball player with OCD of the capitellum. Preoperatively, he complained of elbow pain. Read More

Clin Orthop Relat Res 2013 Apr;471(4):1137-43

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan.

Background: The stability of an osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesion of the humeral capitellum may be determined by intraoperative probing with unstable lesions being displaceable. Although preoperative imaging is used to diagnose and determine treatment of these lesions, it is unclear whether unstable lesions on imaging correspond to those found intraoperatively.

Questions/purposes: We therefore examined the concordance between preoperative imaging and intraoperative instability and examined the imaging features of the patients who healed without surgery. Read More

J Bone Joint Surg Am 2012 Jun;94(11):992-1002

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka Koseinenkin Hospital, 4-2-78 Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Osaka 553-0003 Japan.

Background: There is a need to clarify the usefulness of and problems associated with cylindrical costal osteochondral autograft for reconstruction of large defects of the capitellum due to osteochondritis dissecans.

Methods: Twenty-six patients with advanced osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum were treated with use of cylindrical costal osteochondral autograft. All were males with elbow pain and full-thickness articular cartilage lesions of ≥15 mm in diameter. Read More

J Pediatr Orthop 2012 Apr-May;32(3):226-31

Department of Orthopedics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum occurs in skeletally immature athletes, and most likely results from repetitive trauma during overhead activities. Treatment may consist of activity modifications, internal fixation, abrasion chondroplasty, microfracture, antegrade drilling, retrograde drilling, osteochondral autograft or allograft implantation, chondrocyte implantation, and rib autograft through arthroscopy or arthrotomy. One treatment modality has not been proven to be clearly more effective than the others. Read More

Croat Med J 2012 Feb;53(1):40-7

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.

Aim: To evaluate the outcome of patients who underwent microfracture procedure on osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in the elbow, which had already been proven successful on OCD lesions in the knee and ankle.

Methods: Nine young patients who were previously treated by arthroscopic debridement and microfracture by a single surgeon were included in the study. The median age at operation was 15 years (range 12-19). Read More