Elbow arthroscopy for neglected osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum

We reviewed results of elbow arthroscopy for neglected osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum. Of more than 140 patients having elbow arthroscopy at our institution, 10 patients (11 elbows) had OCD of the capitellum and fulfilled inclusion criteria. Criteria included symptoms of at least 2 years' duration, loss of motion for at least 6 months, or radiographic evidence of secondary degenerative changes. One patient was lost to follow-up. The remaining 9 (10 elbows) were male patients with a median age of 20 years (range, 15 to 58 years). Follow-up averaged 4.6 years (range, 2 to 8 years). Using a 100-point system, postoperative elbow scores averaged 92 (range, 55 to 100). All patients returned to preoperative activities, though only 8 of 10 believed that surgery resulted in improvement. Elbow arthroscopy for neglected OCD can result in functional improvement. However, results are not as good as those reported with earlier intervention.