Treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum with a fragment fixation method using absorbable pins

Abstract Hypothesis This study aimed to investigate the results, indications, and limitations of absorbable pin fixation for osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum in the separation stage. Methods This study included 35 patients (mean age, 14.0 years). Patients were divided into two groups: Group A included those who observed complete union within 6 months and Group B included those who did not observe complete union within 6 months. The clinical findings were compared between the groups. Results There were 26 and 6 patients in Groups A and B, respectively. Two patients did not observe complete union. Clinical outcomes improved after the procedure. In univariate analysis, delayed union was associated with larger major diameter (P = 0.0004) and more depth (P = 0.03) of the osteochondral fragment measured by computed tomography, the presence of osteosclerosis in the subchondral bed on X-ray imaging (P = 0.003), and the presence of comminution of subchondral bone on ultrasound imaging (P = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, there was a significant difference only in the major diameter of the osteochondral fragment (P = 0.03). Receiver operating characteristic curves analysis shows that if the major diameter of the osteochondral fragment is 11 mm or less, 85% of patients achieve complete union of the osteochondral fragments within 6 months. Conclusion Absorbable pin fixation may be considered for the osteochondral fragments with major diameter of 11 mm or less and should not be considered for patients who demonstrate osteosclerosis in the subchondral bed or comminution of subchondral bone.