Technique for Arthroscopic Debridement and Microfracture of Unstable, Contained Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the Capitellum

Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum is an overuse injury that occurs primarily in adolescent athletes that causes pain and motion loss and can lead to chronic dysfunction. When diagnosed in its early stages, most lesions can be treated conservatively and without long-term consequences. Many osteochondritis dissecans lesions, however, continue to cause progressive symptoms despite nonoperative measures or are too advanced at the time of initial clinical presentation to be effectively treated without surgical intervention. The authors describe a safe and reproducible technique for the arthroscopic treatment of unstable, contained capitellar lesions.