Treatment and Early Outcomes of Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans

Treatment for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum has been predominantly guided by fragment stability and articular cartilage integrity. Nonoperative management is recommended for stable lesions, whereas surgical intervention is indicated for unstable lesions and those that fail nonoperative care. Several surgical options may be considered, although limited information is available regarding indications for specific surgical techniques and comparative postoperative results.

To assess surgical outcomes of patients with capitellar OCD treated according to a decision-making approach focused on subchondral bone involvement.

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Patients diagnosed with capitellar OCD at a tertiary academic center were enrolled in a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Patient information was collected at the time of enrollment, and OCD lesions were classified according to the Nelson grade. Clinical and radiologic data were collected both pre- and postoperatively for those undergoing surgical treatment. Surgical procedures were performed based on an evolving treatment framework that included considerations specifically for lesion containment and depth of subchondral bone disease. Timmerman scores were obtained to assess patient functional outcomes.

A total of 154 patients were prospectively enrolled, 19 of whom had bilateral disease. The mean age at presentation was 13.7 years; 39% were gymnasts and 28.5% were primary baseball or softball athletes. Surgery was performed on 145 elbows, including 43 drilling/microfracture procedures, 21 internal fixations, and 63 autologous osteochondral grafting (OG) procedures. Clinically, there were significant improvements in pain, elbow motion, and mechanical symptoms. Timmerman scores significantly improved after each type of surgical procedure. A total of 76% of patients returned to their primary sport. When stratified by the Nelson grade, patients with OG had lower revision surgery rates than those treated with drilling/microfracture and fixation. Furthermore, for Nelson grade 2 lesions, patients treated with OG had significantly better postoperative elbow motion and higher Timmerman scores compared with those treated with other procedures.

Using a treatment framework incorporating lesion containment and depth of subchondral bone disease, surgery for capitellar OCD provides clinical, radiologic, and functional improvements. Patients treated with OG may have lower revision rates and better functional outcomes compared with those treated with other surgical techniques, with OG warranting consideration even for lower-grade OCD lesions.