Arthroscopic Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow

Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow is an idiopathic disorder of the cartilage and subchondral bone. It occurs most frequently in the capitellum of adolescent overhead athletes. For patients with an unstable OCD limited to less than 50% of the capitellum without involvement of the lateral column, arthroscopic debridement with loose body removal and microfracturing is the first choice of treatment. The goal is to remove loose bodies and create a stable cartilage rim. To place the portals without damaging the neurovascular structures, it is important to have a thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the elbow. Pain relief and increased range of motion can be expected after arthroscopy, but the return to pre-injury level is variable.