Computed tomographic arthrography in the assessment of osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow

Eleven cases of osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow are reviewed. Computed tomography (CT) accurately identified the abnormality, its extent and its precise location. Computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) allowed accurate delineation of the overlying cartilage in all cases, identifying cartilage defects in four patients, fissuring in two and cartilage thinning in a further two. In those patients who had plain CT, four were shown to have loose bodies, one of which was obscured by contrast medium at subsequent CTA. Two further patients with loose bodies were identified using CTA alone. The possible relevance of these findings to management is discussed.