Cumulative Incidence of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum in Preadolescent Baseball Players

Prevalence of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum in elementary school baseball players based on ultrasonographic screening: a 15-year overview in Tokushima, Japan

Background

Although several operative procedures have evolved for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), the best outcome is achieved by early detection and conservative treatment. The objective of this study was to clarify changes in the prevalence of capitellar OCD in young baseball players over a long-term period based on consistent criteria in Tokushima, Japan between 2006 and 2020.

Methods

The number of players who underwent screening and the discovery rate of capitellar OCD during the study period were investigated. School grade and radiographic stage were also evaluated.

Results

The confirmation rate was significantly higher when ultrasonographic screening was performed than when screening was based on physical findings (65.8% vs. 1.9%, P < .001). The overall incidence of OCD in elementary school players based on ultrasonographic screening was 1.4% during the 10-year study period. Twenty-one (10.8%) of the 195 players identified to have OCD had experienced lateral elbow pain. When classified radiographically, the lesion was stage I in 73.3% of cases, stage II in 24.1%, and stage III in 2.6%. No cases of OCD were diagnosed before the fourth grade. The prevalence rates increased gradually from the fourth grade to the sixth grade.

Conclusion

Ultrasonographic screening could be more effective for detecting capitellar OCD than screening based on physical findings. The overall prevalence of OCD among elementary school players was 1.4% over 10 years. The prevalence rates increased gradually from the fourth grade onwards.

Bone deformity in sports-related elbow osteoarthritis: influence of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum-a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Sports activity can cause elbow osteoarthritis, which subsequently induces bone deformity. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum develops defects of articular surfaces and can exacerbate bone deformity. This study aimed to investigate whether OCD exacerbates deformities in sports-related elbow osteoarthritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one patients who underwent bilateral computed tomography preoperatively followed by surgery for sports-related elbow osteoarthritis were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of an OCD history: OCD + (n = 6) and OCD- (n = 15). Bilateral three-dimensional bone models of the humerus, ulna, and radius were created using computed tomography data, and bone deformities were extracted by subtracting healthy mirror models from the affected models using a Boolean operation. Bone deformities were divided into 22 regions in the 3 bones. The volume of the deformity was estimated by correlating the anteroposterior and lateral diameters of the OCD and by comparing the two groups.

RESULTS

The anteroposterior diameter of the OCD correlated with the articular surface of the medial trochlear notch, whereas the lateral diameter correlated with the whole ulna, medial gutter of the ulna, whole radius, and lateral side of the radial head. The deformities were 2.2 times larger in the whole humerus, 1.9 times larger in the whole ulna, and 3.0 times larger in the whole radius in the OCD + group than in the OCD- group. The deformities were significantly larger in the OCD + group than in the OCD- group in the radial fossa, posterior capitellum, medial gutter, and lateral gutter in the humerus, medial gutter in the ulna, and lateral, anterior, and posterior sides of the radial head.

CONCLUSION

Larger OCD exacerbated deformity in elbow OA, and the presence of OCD exacerbated deformities in sports-related elbow OA. These results demonstrate the highlight of preventing OCD progression.

Surgical approaches to the capitellum: a comparative anatomic study

BACKGROUND

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum is an important cause of elbow disability in young athletes. Large and unstable lesions sometimes require joint reconstruction with osteochondral autograft. Several approaches have been described to expose the capitellum for the purpose of treating OCD. The posterior anconeus-splitting approach and the lateral approach with or without release of the lateral ligamentous complex are the most frequently used for this indication. The surface accessible by these approaches has not been widely studied. This study compared the extent of the articular surface of the capitellum that could be exposed with the Kocher approach (without ligament release) vs. the posterior anconeus-splitting approach. A secondary outcome was the measurement of any additional area that could be reached with lateral ulnar collateral ligament release (Wrightington approach).

METHODS

The 3 approaches were performed on 8 adult cadaveric elbows: first, the Kocher approach; then, the anconeus-splitting approach; and finally, the Wrightington approach. The visible articular surface was marked out after completion of each approach.

RESULTS

The mean articular surface of the capitellum was 708 mm2 (range, 573-830 mm2). The mean visible articular surface was 49% (range, 43%-60%) of the total surface with the Kocher approach, 74% (range, 61%-90%) with the posterior anconeus-splitting approach, and 93% (range, 91%-97%) with the Wrightington approach. Although the Kocher approach provided access to the anterior part of the capitellum, the anconeus-splitting approach showed adequate exposure to the posterior three-quarters of the articular surface and overlapped the most posterior part of the Kocher approach. A combination of the 2 lateral ulnar collateral ligament-preserving approaches allowed access to 100% of the joint surface.

CONCLUSION

Most OCD lesions are located in the posterior area of the capitellum and can therefore be reached with the anconeus-splitting approach. When OCD lesions are located anteriorly, the Kocher approach without ligament release is efficient. A combination of these 2 approaches enabled the entirety of the joint surface to be viewed.

Arthroscopy and Microfracture for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum in Adolescent Athletes Shows Favorable Return to Sport: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To assess return to sport (RTS) in the high-risk young athlete population with capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) undergoing arthroscopic microfracture (MFX) with or without debridement as well as associated indications, clinical outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and complications.

METHODS

A literature search of all published literature in the English language from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane from database inception to April 4, 2022, was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included studies presented demographics and outcomes for adolescent (<21 years old) patients diagnosed with capitellar OCD who underwent arthroscopic MFX (or drilling/subchondral drilling) or MFX (or drilling/subchondral drilling) with debridement (or loose body removal/chondroplasty). Studies containing multiple surgical techniques that did not distinguish characteristics and outcomes of individual patients by surgical technique were excluded. Additionally, if there was overlap in patient populations between 2 studies, the study with less outcome data was excluded. Extracted data included study properties, patient demographics, lesion characteristics, surgery details, and patient outcomes, including range of motion, outcome scores, and RTS rates. Bias was assessed via the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS).

RESULTS

Nine studies of 136 patients and 138 elbows met criteria. Included articles were published between 2005 and 2020 with MINORS scores of 8 to 14 (50% to 88%). The age ranged from 12.7 to 15.7 years with most patients being involved in baseball or gymnastics and a rate of dominant elbow involvement of 55% to 100%. Patient follow-up ranged from 16 to 138 months. All 9 studies reported RTS, ranging from 65% to 100%. Six of these studies categorized the level to which the patient returned, with patients RTS at the same level of competition ranging from 60% to 100%. Six studies reported complications, with a range rate of 0% to 43%; there were a total of 10 complications, 7 of which required reoperations.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic MFX with or without arthroscopic debridement is a safe and effective treatment for OCD lesions of the capitellum in young, athletic patients. Included studies reported improved clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes. Aside from 1 study reporting an RTS of 65%, the rate of RTS ranged from 86% to 100%. The percentage of patients returning to sport at the same level of competition ranged from 60% to 100% with a time to RTS ranging from 4.1 to 5 months. A single study reported a complication rate of 43%, while remaining studies reported complication rates between 0% and 19%, with loose bodies being the most common complication requiring reoperation. Follow-up ranged from 16 to 138 months.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.

Current concepts: pathology in the overhead athlete's lateral elbow

The lateral elbow is subjected to increasing compressive force in response to repetitive valgus stress. Alterations or deficiencies in overhead mechanics and the kinetic chain may predispose an athlete to injury. Evaluation includes a focused elbow physical examination and imaging, supplemented by a robust screening of core strength, balance, and mechanics of the kinetic chain. Treatment of osteochondritis dissecans, a common lateral elbow pathology, varies based on stability of the lesion, with variable, but often positive outcomes. Proper pitching mechanics, kinetic chain integrity, and workload management provide potential opportunities for prevention.

Deep learning-based osteochondritis dissecans detection in ultrasound images with humeral capitellum localization

PURPOSE

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum is a common cause of elbow disorders, particularly among young throwing athletes. Conservative treatment is the preferred treatment for managing OCD, and early intervention significantly influences the possibility of complete disease resolution. The purpose of this study is to develop a deep learning-based classification model in ultrasound images for computer-aided diagnosis.

METHODS

This paper proposes a deep learning-based OCD classification method in ultrasound images. The proposed method first detects the humeral capitellum detection using YOLO and then estimates the OCD probability of the detected region probability using VGG16. We hypothesis that the performance will be improved by eliminating unnecessary regions. To validate the performance of the proposed method, it was applied to 158 subjects (OCD: 67, Normal: 91) using five-fold-cross-validation.

RESULTS

The study demonstrated that the humeral capitellum detection achieved a mean average precision (mAP) of over 0.95, while OCD probability estimation achieved an average accuracy of 0.890, precision of 0.888, recall of 0.927, F1 score of 0.894, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.962. On the other hand, when the classification model was constructed for the entire image, accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and AUC were 0.806, 0.806, 0.932, 0.843, and 0.928, respectively. The findings suggest the high-performance potential of the proposed model for OCD classification in ultrasonic images.

CONCLUSION

This paper introduces a deep learning-based OCD classification method. The experimental results emphasize the effectiveness of focusing on the humeral capitellum for OCD classification in ultrasound images. Future work should involve evaluating the effectiveness of employing the proposed method by physicians during medical check-ups for OCD.

Incidence and Epidemiology of Symptomatic Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow: A United States Population-Based Study Over a 25-Year Period

Background

There are limited data on the incidence of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in the United States (US) population.

Purpose

To determine the incidence of symptomatic capitellar OCD in a representative US subpopulation and identify changes in its incidence over time and to investigate the relationship between the incidence of capitellar OCD and patient sex and age.

Study Design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of patients aged ≤24 years from Olmsted County, Minnesota, with symptomatic capitellar OCD over a 25-year period (1995-2019). Patients with acute osteochondral injuries, Panner disease, and hereditary arthropathy were excluded. Poisson regression was utilized to identify the predictors of a capitellar OCD diagnosis. Incidence rates (per 100,000) were assessed for changes over time. Age groups of younger (10-15 years) versus older (16-24 years) patients were compared.

Results

A total of 45 patients (78% male) were identified. The mean age was 14.5 years (range, 10-24 years); 31 patients were in the younger group, and 14 patients were in the older group. Sport participation was seen in 89%of patients; 90% were overhead athletes, and 58% were throwing athletes. The incidence of capitellar OCD was 6.0 per 100,000 overall, 9.5 per 100,000 for male patients, and 2.6 per 100,000 for female patients. The incidence was highest for male patients in the younger group (15.3/100,000) and lowest for female patients in the older group (0.8/100,000). The estimated incidence rate ratio for younger versus older patients was 3.3 (P < .001), and the incidence rate ratio for male versus female patients was 3.5 (P < .001). There were no changes in the incidence of capitellar OCD over time as a continuous or 5-year categorical variable (P = .290 and P = .460, respectively). Overall, 82% of patients were treated surgically. There were no significant changes in surgical rates over time.

Conclusion

In this US subpopulation, the overall incidence of symptomatic capitellar OCD between the ages of 10 and 24 years was 6.0 per 100,000 over the 25-year period studied, which is higher than previously reported US estimates. Incidence rates and treatment strategies did not change significantly over time.

Physical Function, to Be or Not to Be a Risk Factor for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Capitellum?

Background

Physical risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum in young baseball players have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to identify the risk factors for capitellar OCD in baseball players aged 8-14 years.

Methods

Between December 2018 and December 2019, young baseball players were recruited from 8 regional baseball leagues. Ultrasonography and physical assessments were performed preseason and at the end of the study period. Bilateral passive ranges of motion (ROM) of horizontal adduction of the shoulders, internal rotation (IR) of the hips, and the thoracic kyphosis angle were measured. 1-year follow-ups were scheduled to determine the occurrence of OCD. Players with OCD were categorized into an OCD group; those without OCD and any elbow pain for one year were categorized into a non-injured group. The players’ baseline data (age, sex, position in baseball, and Rohrer's Index) were analyzed using univariate analyses. Their physical parameters were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures to investigate OCD-related risk factors.

Results

In total, 3651 baseball players attended the 1-year follow-up. Of these, 71 (1.9%) players had OCD of the humeral capitellum. In the OCD group, a significant association was found at baseline and at the end of the study period between a higher Rohrer index at the baseline and a smaller hip IR ROM on the nondominant side.

Conclusions

Loss of hip IR ROM on the nondominant side is a newly discovered risk factor related to physical function in the development of OCD.

Common Upper Extremity Injuries in Pediatric Athletes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study is to review the most recent literature on common upper extremity injuries in pediatric athletes and discuss their diagnosis, management, and outcomes. We also highlight ultrasound as a tool in their evaluation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Shoulder conditions presented include little league shoulder, glenohumeral rotation deficit, acute traumatic shoulder dislocation, and multidirectional shoulder instability. Elbow conditions include capitellar OCD, medial epicondyle avulsion fracture, and medial epicondylitis. We also review scaphoid fractures and gymnast wrist. Not all physeal injuries lead to long-term growth disruption. Ultrasound has been shown to be useful in the diagnosis of scaphoid fracture, medial epicondyle avulsion fractures, and capitellar OCD. It can also be helpful in assessing risk for shoulder and elbow injuries in overhead athletes. There is a rising burden of upper extremity injuries among pediatric athletes. Knowledge of their sport specific mechanics can be helpful in diagnosis. As long-term outcome data become available for these conditions, it is clear, proper diagnosis and management are critical to preventing adverse outcomes. We highlight many of these injuries, best practice in care, and controversies in care in hopes of improving outcomes and preventing injury for pediatric athletes.

Effect of introducing ultrasonography in medical examinations for elbow injuries among young baseball players

PURPOSE

This study investigated the usefulness of ultrasonography in medical examinations for detecting elbow injuries, especially capitellar osteochondritis dissecans, among young baseball players.

METHODS

Players with current or previous elbow joint pain were enrolled. Medical examinations (range of motion, tenderness, and stress tests) were performed with (2012-2016) or without (2007-2011) ultrasonography. Players with abnormal examination results were advised to undergo additional examinations at a local orthopedic clinic. Differences in the rates of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans detection, secondary examination, and elbow injury prevalence were compared between players who did and did not undergo ultrasonography.

RESULTS

We identified 1045 baseball players, aged 9-12 years, who required medical examinations for elbow injuries. Medical examinations without ultrasonography were performed in 346 players (group A), and examinations with ultrasonography were performed in 556 players (group B). Capitellar osteochondritis dissecans was present in 0.3% (1/346) of group A players and 3.0% (17/556) of group B players (p = 0.003). The secondary examination consultation rates were 51.2% (62/121) and 66.0% (270/409) in groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonography performed as a part of a medical examination can help detect elbow injuries, especially capitellar osteochondritis dissecans, in baseball players. Using ultrasonography in conjunction with medical examinations may contribute to a better understanding of elbow injuries in baseball players and improve consultation rates. Thus, ultrasonography is essential for the evaluation of elbow injuries in young baseball players.

Limiting the Pitch Count in Youth Baseball Pitchers Decreases Elbow Pain

Background

Reducing the number of pitches thrown is regarded as the most effective way to prevent throwing injuries in youth baseball pitchers. However, few studies have compared the effectiveness of limiting the pitch count versus the limiting the number of innings pitched in terms of elbow injuries.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that, compared with inning limits, pitch count limits would lead to greater decreases in elbow pain, range of motion deficits, positive moving valgus stress test results, and the risk of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed baseball pitchers aged 8 to 12 years in 2017 and 2018. Inning and pitch count limits in games were set to a daily maximum of 7 innings in 2017 and 70 pitches in 2018. Elbow pain, range of motion, and moving valgus stress test results were evaluated. The presence of capitellar OCD was assessed on ultrasonographic and radiographic images.

Results

A total of 352 pitchers in 2017 and 367 pitchers in 2018 participated. The mean pitch count per game was lower in the pitch count limit (CL) group (52.5 ± 16.0) than in the inning limit (IL) group (98.2 ± 19.5) (P < .001). Compared with the IL group, the CL group had significantly lower rates of elbow pain (40.9% vs 31.9%, respectively; P = .01) and reduced flexion (19.0% vs 10.6%, respectively; P = .001). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between elbow pain and age in both the IL and the CL groups (P < .0001 and P = .02, respectively) and between OCD and elbow pain in the CL group (P = .04).

Conclusion

A pitch count limit of ≤70 pitches per day for baseball pitchers ≤12 years could be more protective against elbow pain and reduced flexion than a limit of ≤7 innings per day, but it may not be effective for reducing the risk of capitellar OCD.

Treatment of advanced stage osteochondrosis dissecans in the adolescent elbow using a hyaloronic acid-based scaffold: a case series of 5 patients

INTRODUCTION

Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) is considered to be one of the main causes for pain, discomfort and morbidity in the pediatric elbow joint. Few treatment options, such as microfracture or autologous transplantation, of osteochondral bone grafts have been described to address advanced OCD. The aim of this retrospective case series is to present preliminary clinical and radiologic findings following advanced stage OCD repair using a novel combination of a hyaluronic acid-based scaffold with autologous iliac crest bone grafting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five adolescents, who underwent treatment of OCD (grade 3 or 4 according to Nelson) using a combination technique of defect debridement, transplantation of cancellous iliac crest bone and application of a HYALOFAST® membrane (Anika Therapeutics S.r.L., Italy), were re-assessed using clinical and radiologic examinations (defect diameter, depth, sclerosis, congruency, fragmentation, dissection, radiolucency, growth plate status; MRI) after a minimum of 2 years (mean, 34 months; range, 24-45) postoperatively. Dedicated outcome scores (Numeric Rating Scale [NRS], Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument [PODCI], Mayo Elbow Performance Score [MEPS], and Timmerman-Andrews Score [TIMM] were collected.

RESULTS

All patients reported a NRS score of 0. The mean total TIMM, MEPS and PODCI (Global Functioning Scale) scores were 189 (range 165-200), 94 (range, 70-100), and 92 (range 83-98; normative score 47; range 35-55), respectively, indicating good to excellent clinical outcomes. The radiographic analysis showed overall improvements with regard to OCD width and depth reduction (35%, - 27-100%; 52%, 4-100%), but full resolution in only 2 of 5 cases. Elbow motion improved slightly after surgery. No complications were noted.

CONCLUSION

This study showed promising clinical short- to mid-term results in adolescent patients with advanced OCD using a novel surgical treatment combination. Radiographic results showed partial healing; hence, residual changes should be monitored over a longer period.

Outcomes of Arthroscopic Surgical Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Elbow in Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes

Background:

Osteochondral injuries of the elbow are limiting and affect the ability of pediatric and adolescent athletes to participate in sports.

Purpose:

To report short- and midterm outcomes on athletes undergoing microfracture or fragment fixation of osteochondral elbow lesions and evaluate the effects thereof on sporting activity.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study analyzing patients who underwent surgical treatment via microfracture or fragment fixation for osteochondral elbow lesions. Patients were treated at a single institution by a single surgeon between 2012 and 2019. Diagnosis was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging, and patients were indicated for surgery after having persistent symptoms despite trialing rest, immobilization, and/or activity restriction for at least 3 months. Demographic data including sports of choice were collected preoperatively. Imaging and intraoperative findings were documented, and any complications were noted. Range of motion (ROM) was compared pre- to postoperatively. Return-to-sport evaluation included the ability to play the preoperative sport of choice.

Results:

In total, 23 patients (25 elbows) were included with a mean follow-up of 23.5 months (range, 6-60.3 months) and a mean age of 13.8 years. Of 25 lesions, 20 (80%) were on the athlete’s dominant side. There was significant improvement from pre- to postoperative ROM, including extension (mean ± SD, 6.4° ± 5.3° to 0.04° ± 0.2°; P < .00001), flexion (129.2° ± 10.6° to 138.6° ± 4.4°; P = .00013), and arc of ROM (122.6° ± 13.2° to 138.6° ± 4.4°; P < .00001). Mean lesion size was 81.9 ± 59.3 mm² (range, 15-225 mm²). All elbows demonstrated radiographic healing postoperatively. Mean time to release to sport was 4.48 ± 1.38 months (range, 2.5-8 months). Six (26.1%) patients changed or stopped their preoperative sporting activity, including 2 of 4 gymnasts and 4 of 11 baseball players.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic technique with lesion debridement and microfracture or fixation appears safe and results in radiographic healing; however, with these techniques, there remains a high rate of inability to return to sport in patients involved in higher-demand upper extremity activity, such as baseball and gymnastics. Further treatment strategies, including cartilage restoration procedures, may be warranted in this population.

Early Radiographic Healing and Functional Results After Autologous Osteochondral Grafting for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum: Introduction of a New Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Scoring System

BACKGROUND

Autologous osteochondral grafting (OG) is an option in the treatment of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (COCD). However, radiographic healing after this procedure has not been well documented.

PURPOSE

To develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based scoring system specific for evaluating healing after single-plug OG in COCD and to evaluate correlation between radiographic healing and early clinical outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Between 2014 and 2017, 183 elbows with COCD were enrolled in a prospective registry. A total of 61 elbows in 59 patients underwent single-plug OG. Of these, 52 elbows in 50 patients had pre- and postoperative MRI scans. Postoperative MRI and clinical outcome data from this group were used to develop the novel BOGIE score (Boston Osteochondral Graft Incorporation in the Elbow), with a possible range of 4 to 12.

RESULTS

Median age at surgery was 14.2 years (interquartile range, 13.1-15.0 years). Median clinical follow-up after OG was 12.4 months (interquartile range, 9.5-16.9 months; range, 6-53 months). Compared with before surgery, elbow function at 6 months after surgery and at latest follow-up was significantly improved as measured by the Timmerman and Andrews score (TAS; median: 145 before surgery, 185 at 6 months after surgery, 190 at latest follow-up; P < .001, before vs after surgery), as well as the short version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score; median: 21 before surgery, 7 at 6 months after surgery, and 0 at latest follow-up; P < .001 before surgery vs after surgery). Median BOGIE score at 6 months after surgery was 10 (range, 4-12). BOGIE score intraobserver reliability was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.82-0.94) for reader 1 and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.86-0.95) for reader 2. Interobserver reliability between the readers was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.78-0.92). Correlation was observed between the 6-month BOGIE score and the concurrent postoperative objective TAS (P < .001) as well as total TAS (P = .01) but not the subjective TAS (P = .08). Patients who underwent subsequent secondary surgery for persistent symptoms had a significantly lower postoperative BOGIE score at 6 months than those who did not (median, 7.8 vs 10.3; P = .016).

CONCLUSION

Quantitative evaluation for radiologic healing after single-plug OG in COCD is possible. The MRI-based BOGIE score appears to correlate with early clinical function and may be useful as an adjunct tool in decision making on activity progression. The use of a standardized MRI score may improve comparability of outcomes after OG in the literature.

Failure of Surgery for Osteochondral Injuries of the Elbow in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With an increase in single-sport specialization, elbow injuries have become increasingly common in the pediatric and adolescent population. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum frequently requires intervention yet can be difficult to treat given high patient activity demands. The purpose of this paper is to review treatment options, understand failure rates, and provide strategies for successful revision surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients at high risk for the development of this condition are involved in high-demand upper extremity activity such as baseball or gymnastics. Treatment options include non-operative management, drilling, fixation, loose body removal/microfracture, osteochondral autograft, and osteochondral allograft. Cartilage preservation procedures (i.e., osteochondral autograft) have a significant advantage in terms of clinical and radiographic healing compared with fixation or microfracture. Capitellar OCD lesions afflict a large number of adolescent athletes today and will likely continue increasing in number from sports-related injuries. It is critical to recognize and treat these lesions in a timely and appropriate fashion to optimize clinical outcomes. When faced with failure of healing, surgeons must critically analyze reasons for failure including post-operative compliance, return to high-demand sporting activity, fixation of non-viable fragments, utilization of microfracture, alignment, and concomitant pathology.

Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum :Review of the Literature

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is a leading cause of elbow disability in adolescent baseball players. Previous studies have not found an association of player position with capitellar OCD. Elbow pain and a longer playing history might be related to progression of capitellar OCD but do not in themselves increase the risk of development of the condition. The cause of capitellar OCD is likely to include a combination of repetitive microtrauma and internal factors, such as ischemia and genetic predisposition. A combination of radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography have aided our understanding of the pathology of capitellar OCD. Screening using ultrasonography enables early detection and provides an opportunity for successful conservative treatment. Treatment has conventionally included both operative and nonoperative measures based on the stage and size of the lesion, skeletal maturity, subjective symptoms, and structural integrity of the cartilage. Early-stage lesions respond better to nonoperative treatment than those in more advanced stages. Operative indications include persistent symptoms despite nonoperative treatment, symptomatic loose bodies, and displacement or detachment of fragments. J. Med. Invest. 67 : 217-221, August, 2020.

Editorial Commentary: "There's No Crying in Baseball," But There Is Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow

Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum is a rare and ultrasonically identifiable disease of the dominant elbow of preadolescent baseball players as young as 9 years of age. We must choose to protect these young players, either by initiating a screening program to identify the disease at an early stage when treatment results in an acceptable lifelong outcome or by vociferously limiting the daily, weekly, and yearly participation in this vulnerable group.