Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Capitellum Among Adolescent Baseball Players

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.Methods:A total of 2433 baseball players (mean age, 14.5 ± 1.5 years) belonging to junior high school and high school baseball clubs were enrolled. Players completed a questionnaire, and the elbow of each player’s throwing arm was assessed by ultrasonography. Participants with abnormal results on ultrasonography were further examined through radiographic study. The OCD lesions were classified into stages based on radiographic results, and demographic data were compared between players with and without OCD lesions.Results:Osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum was found in 82 (3.4%) elbows by ultrasonography. Player...