Osteochondral autograft plug transfer for treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum in adolescent athletes

Juvenile Osteochondritis Dissecans: A Case Report

(1) Background: This report aims to illustrate the development, progression, diagnosis, and treatment of chronically present articular surface lesions. (2) Methods: In this report, two patients are described from the point of the initial presentation of symptoms to surgical consultation based on radiologic findings. These patients underwent corrective surgery in the form of mosaicplasty to repair lesions present on the articular surface and the underlying subchondral bone. (3) Discussion: Diagnosing juvenile OCD remains challenging due to its variable clinical presentation and minute radiologic discoveries. X-rays are useful; however, the gold standard remains arthroscopy, which can be both diagnostic and therapeutic. Future prospects include the use of novel sonographic methods and the use of artificial intelligence within the given modalities. (4) Conclusions: The detailed imaging provided by MRI, combined with the insights from X-rays and potentially other modalities, allows for a nuanced understanding of this disease. This comprehensive approach ensures that treatment decisions are well-informed, optimising outcomes for young patients with this condition.

Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Capitellum for the Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans

BACKGROUND

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum is a rare and challenging condition to treat. Several surgical options exist, but in the last few years, the pendulum has swung from debridement and microfracture to restoration of the articular surface. Osteochondral autografts from the rib and knee have been described, but donor-site morbidity is a concern.

PURPOSE

To expand the results of fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation (FOCAT) in a previously published report with inclusion of additional patients and a longer follow-up period.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

After institutional review board approval, the charts of patients who underwent FOCAT for OCD of the capitellum between 2006 and 2022 by a single surgeon were reviewed. The majority of cases (94%) had unstable lesions (Minami grades 2 and 3). A trial of nonoperative treatment had failed in all. All patients underwent diagnostic arthroscopy, followed by a mini-open, ligament-sparing approach with grafting using commercially available guides and instruments.

RESULTS

A total of 35 patients were identified, of whom 25 were male. The mean age was 16 ± 3.9 years (range, 11-32 years). There were 24 baseball players (19 pitchers and 5 position players), 5 gymnasts, 3 cheerleaders/tumblers, 1 tennis player, 1 student (who did not participate in athletics), and 1 patient with avascular necrosis from chemotherapy. Eighteen patients had a mean flexion contracture of 14.1°± 11.9°. A single osteochondral allograft plug was used in 23 patients (mean diameter, 11.3 ± 2.8 mm), and 12 patients required 2 plugs (Mastercard technique). The mean follow-up was 92.6 ± 54.5 months (range, 24-204 months). There was significant improvement in Oxford (from 25.5 ± 4.9 to 46.7 ± 3.5; P < .00001) and visual analog scale for pain (from 7.5 ± 2 to 0.3 ± 1.0; P < .0001) scores. The mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score at the time of follow-up was 90.6 ± 10.8 (range, 60-100). In overhead athletes, there was significant improvement in the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic score (from 40.8 ± 11.8 to 90.6 ± 10.8; P < .00001). A postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan was obtained in 16 (46%) patients at a mean of 32.6 months. In all cases, the graft was incorporated. All overhead athletes were able to return to their sport and perform at the same level or higher for >2 years. Two elbows required a subsequent arthroscopy for loose-body removal; otherwise, there were no other complications.

CONCLUSION

FOCAT is an excellent option for treating OCD lesions of the humeral capitellum. Excellent outcomes and high return-to-sport rates were observed, with midterm follow-up showing no graft failures. FOCAT eliminates donor-site morbidity.

Outcomes and return to sport after osteochondral autograft transplantation for osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum: a systematic review

Background

Capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions are common in athletes. Osteochondral autograft transfer (OAT) is one possible treatment option, though outcomes including return to sport (RTS) data are limited to small series. The purpose of this study was to systematically review RTS following OAT for capitellar OCD lesions. Our secondary objectives were to evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs), range of motion (ROM), and complications after OAT.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched for peer-reviewed articles on "osteochondral autograft transfer" and related terms for capitellar OCD lesions. Articles were included if they reported an RTS rate and had a follow-up time point of at least 12 months. Data on RTS rates, PRO measures, complications, and ROM were extracted. Articles were assessed for methodological quality using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies criteria.

Results

Six hundred sixty-six articles were retrieved, and 24 articles (470 patients) met the inclusion criteria. In total, 454/470 patients (97%) returned to sports following OAT for OCD. The RTS rate ranged from 79% to 100%. Return to previous level of performance ranged from 10% to 100%. Timmerman-Andrews postoperative scores (range = 169-193) were most often reported, with 87% of patients showing scores within the excellent range. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Japanese Orthopedic Association scores were also excellent postoperatively for all studies reporting, with higher scores among centralized lesions vs. lateral.

Conclusions

Following OAT for capitellar OCD lesions, RTS rates are high; however, athletes should be counseled on the potential of a return to lower performance or the need to change positions. Lateral lesion location may negatively impact outcomes. PRO scores are typically excellent and postoperative ROM consistently improves. This information helps counsel patients regarding expectations and outcomes of OAT for OCD of the capitellum.

Lawrence J, Polousky JD, Saper M, Uquillas C, Nissen CW, Kostyun RO, Albright J, Bae D, Bohn D, Chan C, Crepeau A, Edmonds E, Fabricant P, Ganley T, Little K, Lee Pace J, Pacicca D, Pennock A, Saluan P, Shea K, Wall E, Wilson P, Nissen CW. MRI Features That Contribute to Decision-Making for Treatment of Capitellar OCD Lesions: An Expert Consensus Using the Delphi Method

Background

Most healthcare providers utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assist in diagnosing and treating osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum. However, consensus on imaging features that portend clinically relevant information in the care of these lesions has not been determined.

Purpose

To conduct a survey on the MRI features of a capitellar OCD that are salient for clinical decision-making using a classic Delphi protocol.

Study Design

A consensus statement.

Methods

Invitations to participate were sent to 33 healthcare providers identified as capitellar OCD experts. A classic 3-round survey method was used to gather agreement and consensus on the level of importance for clinical decision-making on 33 MRI features. A concise list of features that guide decision-making on the stability of an OCD lesion and the ability of an OCD lesion to heal with nonoperative care was also identified. Agreement and consensus were determined a priori as ≥66%.

Results

Of the 33 identified experts, 20 agreed to participate, and 17 (52%) completed all 3 rounds. Of the 33 MRI features evaluated, 17 reached agreement as important for clinical decision-making by the experts. Consensus was reached for a concise list of MRI features that were significant to decision-making (94%), suggestive of a stable lesion (100%), had the potential to heal with nonoperative treatment (94%), were suggestive of an unstable lesion (100%), and had low potential to heal with nonoperative treatment (88%).

Conclusion

This 3-round Delphi process produced consensus on clinically relevant MRI features that contribute to clinical decision-making for capitellar OCD. The results of this study will be used as the basis for an interrater reliability assessment of the identified salient features, creating the foundation for developing a reliable MRI assessment tool rooted in clinical experiences. The development of a standardized assessment of capitellar OCD is intended to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow: recent evolution of pathogenesis, imaging, and treatment modalities

Background

The etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondritis dissecans (OCDs) lesions remain controversial.

Methods

This review presents the recent evolution about the healing, imaging, pathogenesis, and how to treat OCD of the capitellum in overhead athletes.

Results

Compressive and shear forces to the growing capitellum can cause subchondral separation, leading to OCD, composed of 3 layers: articular fragment, gap, and underlying bone. Subchondral separation can cause ossification arrest (stage IA), followed by cartilage degeneration (stage IB) or delayed ossification (stage IIA), occasionally leading to osteonecrosis (stage IIB) in the articular fragment. Articular cartilage fracture and gap reseparation make the articular fragment unstable. The mean tilting angle of capitellar OCD is 57.6 degrees in throwers. Anteroposterior radiography of the elbow at 45 degrees of flexion (APR45) can increase the diagnostic reliability, showing OCD healing stages, as follows: I) radiolucency, II) delayed ossification, and III) union. Coronal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with an appropriate tilting angle can also increase the reliability. MRI is most useful to show the instability, although it occasionally underestimates. Sonography contributes to detection of early OCD in adolescent throwers on the field. OCD lesions in the central aspect of the capitellum can be more unstable and may not heal. Cast immobilization has a positive effect on healing for stable lesions. Arthroscopic removal provides early return to sports, although a large osteochondral defect is associated with a poor prognosis. Fragment fixation, osteochondral autograft transplantation, and their hybrid technique have provided better results.

Discussion

Further studies are needed to prevent problematic complications of capitellar OCD, such as osteoarthritis and chondrolysis.

Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow in Overhead Athletes: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow mainly occurs in overhead athletes (OHAs). This narrative review aimed to comprehensively analyze the epidemiological data, etiological factors, clinical and imaging features, treatment options, and outcomes of OHAs with the diagnosis of elbow OCD. A literature search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Individuals with elbow OCD were usually 10-17 years of age with incidence and prevalence varying between studies, depending on the sport activity of the patients. The etiology of OCD lesions is multifactorial, and the main causes are believed to be repetitive trauma, the biomechanical disproportion of the articular surfaces, poor capitellar vascular supply, and inflammatory and genetic factors. Athletes usually presented with elbow pain and mechanical symptoms. The mainstay for the diagnosis of elbow OCD is MRI. The treatment of elbow OCD lesions should be conservative in cases of stable lesions, while various types of surgical treatment are suggested in unstable lesions, depending mainly on the size and localization of the lesion. The awareness of medical practitioners and the timely diagnosis of OCD lesions in OHAs are key to favorable outcomes.

Management of Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans: A Critical Analysis Review

» Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum is a localized compromise of bone that may lead to subchondral collapse with articular cartilage damage and loose body formation.» The etiology is multifactorial; proposed mechanisms include repetitive microtrauma, vascular insufficiency, and genetic predisposition.» Diagnosis is based on patient presentation, clinical examination, diagnostic imaging, and intraoperative findings.» Management is dependent on lesion characteristics, with stable lesions amenable to nonoperative treatment and unstable lesions managed with surgical intervention.» Adolescent athletes can expect a return to their preinjury level of activity or competition following indicated surgical intervention.

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.

Update in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum

Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum is debilitating and is a potentially sports career-ending injury in a young and athletic population. Osteochondritis dissecans typically occurs in patients between the ages of 10 and 24 years, and boys are more commonly affected than girls. Conventional radiographs have low diagnostic accuracy, and magnetic resonance imaging (with or without contrast) or computed tomography may aid in accurate diagnosis. The primary indication for non-operative treatment is the presence of an intact cartilage cap on magnetic resonance imaging, indicating a "stable lesion." However, if operative treatment is necessary, various surgical procedures are available when operative treatment for an osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum is considered, including open or arthroscopic removal of loose bodies, with or without microfracturing, fragment fixation, osteochondral autograft transplantation, and osteochondral allograft transplantation. The decision-making process for selecting the appropriate treatment considers factors such as the patient's characteristics, functional limitations, and lesion morphology.

A Comparison of Treatment of OCD Lesions of the Capitellum With Osteochondral Autograft and Allograft Transplantation

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum occurs relatively infrequently but can be found in young overhead-throwing athletes, most commonly in baseball players and gymnasts. Although non-operative management can effectively treat stable lesions, unstable lesions can lead to debilitating symptoms of the elbow and diminished quality of life without surgical intervention. This article reviews methods of treating OCD of the capitellum categorized by stability, size, and patient characteristics, and seeks to familiarize the reader with the appropriate selection of osteochondral allograft versus autograft in treating large, unstable lesions. We complement this review with 3 case examples, each using either an osteochondral autograft or allograft, and discuss the decision-making methodology used in each case.

Overuse Elbow Injuries in Youth Gymnasts

BACKGROUND

Gymnastics is a unique sport that places significant loads across the growing elbow, resulting in unique overuse injuries, some of which are poorly described in the current literature.

PURPOSE

To provide a comprehensive review of the unique overuse elbow injuries seen in youth gymnasts and to provide an up-to-date synthesis of the available literature and clinical expertise guiding treatment decisions in this population.

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative review.

METHODS

A review of the PubMed database was performed to include all studies describing elbow biomechanics during gymnastics, clinical entities of the elbow in gymnasts, and outcomes of operative and/or nonoperative treatment of elbow pathology in gymnasts.

RESULTS

Participation in gymnastics among youth athletes is high, being the sixth most common sport in children. Early specialization is the norm in this sport, and gymnastics also has the highest number of participation hours of all youth sports. As a result, unique overuse elbow injuries are common, primarily on the lateral side of the elbow. Beyond common diagnoses of radiocapitellar plica and osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum, we describe a pathology unique to gymnasts involving stress fracture of the radial head. Additionally, we synthesized our clinical experience and expertise in gymnastics to provide a sport-specific rehabilitation program that can be used by providers treating surgical and nonsurgical conditions of the elbow and wishing to provide detailed activity instructions to their athletes.

CONCLUSION

Overuse injuries of the elbow are common in gymnastics and include osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum, radiocapitellar plica syndrome, and newly described radial head stress fractures. A thorough understanding of the psychological, cultural, and biomechanical aspects of gymnastics are necessary to care for these athletes.

Treatment Strategies and Outcomes for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum

BACKGROUND

The optimum management of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is a widely debated subject.

PURPOSE

To better understand the efficacy of different surgical modalities and nonoperative treatment of OCD as assessed by radiological and clinical outcomes and return to sports.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review of all treatment studies published between January 1975 and June 2020 was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 76 clinical studies, including 1463 patients, were suitable for inclusion. Aggregate analysis and subgroup analysis of individual patient data were performed to compare the functional and radiographic outcomes between the various nonoperative and surgical treatment options for capitellar OCD. A unified grading system (UGS; grades 1-4) was developed from existing validated classification systems to allow a comparison of patients with similar-grade OCD lesions in different studies according to their treatment. Patient-level data were available for 352 patients. The primary outcome measures of interest were patient-reported functional outcome, range of motion (ROM), and return to sports after treatment. The influences of the capitellar physeal status, location of the lesion, and type of sports participation were also assessed. Each outcome measure was evaluated according to the grade of OCD and treatment method (debridement/microfracture, fragment fixation, osteochondral autograft transplantation [OATS], or nonoperative treatment).

RESULTS

No studies reported elbow scores or ROM for nonoperatively treated patients. All surgical modalities resulted in significantly increased postoperative ROM and elbow scores for stable (UGS grades 1 and 2) and unstable lesions (UGS grades 3 and 4). There was no significant difference in the magnitude of improvement or overall scores according to the type of surgery for stable or unstable lesions. Return to sports was superior with nonoperative treatment for stable lesions, whereas surgical treatment was superior for unstable lesions. Patients with an open capitellar physis had superior ROM for stable and unstable lesions, but there was no correlation with lesion location and the outcomes of OATS versus fragment fixation for high-grade lesions.

CONCLUSION

Nonoperative treatment was similar in outcomes to surgical treatment for low-grade lesions, whereas surgical treatment was superior for higher grade lesions. There is currently insufficient evidence to support complex reconstructive techniques for high-grade lesions compared with microfracture/debridement alone.

A high rate of children and adolescents return to sport after surgical treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the return to sport rates following surgical management of ostechondritis dissecans of the elbow.

METHODS

The databases EMBASE, PubMed, and MEDLINE were searched for relevant literature from database inception until August 2020 and studies were screened by two reviewers independently and in duplicate for studies reporting rates of return to sport following surgical management of posterior shoulder instability. A meta-analysis of proportions was used to combine the rates of return to sport using a random effects model. A risk of bias assessment was performed for all included studies using the MINORS score.

RESULTS

Overall, 31 studies met inclusion criteria and comprised of 548 patients (553 elbows) with a median age of 14 (range 10-18.5) and a median follow-up of 39 months (range 5-156). Of the 31 studies included, 14 studies (267 patients) had patients who underwent open stabilization, 11 studies (152 patients) had patients who underwent arthroscopic stabilization, and 6 studies (129 patients) had patients who underwent arthroscopic-assisted stabilization. The pooled rate of return to any level of sport was 97.6% (95% CI 94.8-99.5%, I² = 32%). In addition, the pooled rate of return to the preinjury level was 79.1% (95% CI 70-87.1%, I² = 78%). Moreover, the pooled rate of return to sport rate at the competitive level was 86.9% (95% CI 77.3-94.5%, I² = 64.3%), and the return to sport for overhead athletes was 89.4% (95% CI 82.5-95.1%, I² = 59%). The overall return to sport after an arthroscopic procedure was 96.4% (95% CI 91.3-99.6%, I² = 1%) and for an open procedure was 97.8% (95% CI 93.7-99.9%, I² = 46%). All functional outcome scores showed improvement postoperatively and the most common complication was revision surgery for loose body removal (19 patients).

CONCLUSION

Surgical management of osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow resulted in a high rate of return to sport, including in competitive and overhead athletes. Similar rates of return to sport were noted across both open and arthroscopic procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Outcomes of Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation in Pediatric Patients With Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum

PURPOSE

To assess the outcomes of osteochondral autograft transplantations in the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum in the pediatric population.

METHODS

Between 2011 and 2016, 15 patients who had undergone osteochondral autograft transplantation at a mean age of 13.7 years at surgery were identified. The donor site was from the superolateral, non-weight-bearing surface of the lateral femoral condyle of the ipsilateral knee.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 29.5 months, with no patients lost to follow-up. Mean arc of motion increased significantly from 121.9° preoperatively to 139.1° postoperatively. All 9 elite athletes returned to sports at an elite level: 7 returned to the same level of competition in the same sport, 1 retired from gymnastics due to multiple injuries but began diving at an elite level, and 1 retired from baseball unrelated to elbow symptoms but continued hockey at the same level. Of the 4 recreational athletes, all returned to sport. There were no intraoperative complications. The symptoms resolved completely in all but 2 patients, who improved over their preoperative condition. The donor site knee pain resolved in all patients at an average of 2.3 months. Postoperative imaging demonstrated the healing and incorporation of the plug in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum, osteochondral autograft transplantation demonstrates excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes, with minimal short-term donor site morbidity and a high level of return to the sport.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Osteochondritis Dissecans of Smaller Joints: The Elbow

This review presents the current understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis, and how to diagnose and treat osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) at the elbow joint followed by an analysis of particular characteristics and outcomes of the treatment. OCD is seen in patients with open growth plates (juvenile OCD [JOCD] and in adults [AOCD] with closed growth plates [adult OCD). The etiology at smaller joints remains as unclear as for the knee. Mechanical factors (throwing activities [capitulum] seem to play an important role. Clinical symptoms are unspecific. Thus, imaging techniques are most important for the diagnosis. In low-grade and stable lesions, treatment involves rest and different degrees of immobilization until healing. When surgery is necessary, the procedure depends on the OCD stage and on the state of the cartilage. With intact cartilage, retrograde procedures are favorable while with damaged cartilage, several techniques are used. Techniques such as drilling and microfracturing produce a reparative cartilage while other techniques reconstruct the defect with osteochondral grafts or cell-based procedures such as chondrocyte implantation. There is a tendency toward better results when reconstructive procedures for both the bone and cartilage are used. In addition, comorbidities at the joint have to be treated. Severe grades of osteoarthritis are rare.

Performance of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores compared with legacy metrics in evaluating outcomes after surgical treatment for osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum

BACKGROUND

Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores have not previously been used to measure long-term outcomes in operatively treated capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) patients. The aims of our study were to (1) assess patients' long-term outcomes using PROMIS scores, (2) compare the performance of PROMIS with other validated elbow legacy metrics, and (3) evaluate ceiling and floor effects in these outcome measures in patients undergoing surgical treatment for capitellar OCD.

METHODS

We evaluated demographic characteristics, procedure details, preoperative PROMIS scores, and associated sports information in surgically treated pediatric capitellar OCD patients. An online survey was sent to the study participants, including the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) shoulder and elbow score, the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, and the Liverpool Elbow Score patient-answered questionnaire, as well as the Mobility, Pain Interference, and Upper Extremity questionnaires from the PROMIS pediatrics bank. Correlations were evaluated between outcome measures. Ceiling and floor effects were evaluated for each outcome measure.

RESULTS

Completed surveys were obtained for 57 patients (59 elbows). The mean patient age at surgery was 14 years (range, 10-18 years). The mean follow-up time was 6 years (standard deviation, 5 years; range, 1-18 years). The mean PROMIS Mobility score improved from 41.2 preoperatively to 55.2 postoperatively (P < .001). The mean Pain Interference score decreased from 46.9 preoperatively to 38 postoperatively (P < .001). The mean Upper Extremity score improved from 42.7 preoperatively to 53.2 postoperatively (P < .001). Significant correlations were observed between all legacy metrics and postoperative PROMIS scores (|r| > 0.54, P < .001). Ceiling or floor effects were seen in all legacy metrics and PROMIS scores. The KJOC score was least affected by ceiling or floor effects.

CONCLUSION

There is a strong correlation between PROMIS scores and legacy measures evaluating outcomes after surgical management of capitellar OCD. However, large ceiling and floor effects were present in all measures, likely owing to the favorable clinical results. The KJOC score was limited the least by ceiling and floor effects.

Osteochondritis Dissecans: Current Understanding of Epidemiology, Etiology, Management, and Outcomes

➤

Osteochondritis dissecans occurs most frequently in the active pediatric and young adult populations, commonly affecting the knee, elbow, or ankle, and may lead to premature osteoarthritis.

➤

While generally considered an idiopathic phenomenon, various etiopathogenetic theories are being investigated, including local ischemia, aberrant endochondral ossification of the secondary subarticular physis, repetitive microtrauma, and genetic predisposition.

➤

Diagnosis is based on the history, physical examination, radiography, and advanced imaging, with elbow ultrasonography and novel magnetic resonance imaging protocols potentially enabling early detection and in-depth staging.

➤

Treatment largely depends on skeletal maturity and lesion stability, defined by the presence or absence of articular cartilage fracture and subchondral bone separation, as determined by imaging and arthroscopy, and is typically nonoperative for stable lesions in skeletally immature patients and operative for those who have had failure of conservative management or have unstable lesions.

➤

Clinical practice guidelines have been limited by a paucity of high-level evidence, but a multicenter effort is ongoing to develop accurate and reliable classification systems and multimodal decision-making algorithms with prognostic value.

Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation for Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans

Background

The goal of the osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) procedure is to replace both the bone and cartilage that have been compromised by osteonecrosis of the capitellum, a condition known as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). In children, the vascularity of the capitellum is limited compared with that in adults because the physis acts as a physical barrier to vascular ingrowth from the metaphysis to the epiphysis. The necrotic subchondral bone cannot keep up with the weight-bearing demands of certain high-level athletes such as gymnasts, accumulating microfractures and eventually crumbling. Without the support of the subchondral bone, the overlying cartilage fractures and eventually comes loose, often floating around the joint as a loose body. Fibrocartilage may form to fill the void left behind but cannot restore either the structural integrity of the bone or the gliding and compressive properties of hyaline cartilage. Replacement of both the bone and the cartilage requires an osteochondral transplant. Fortunately, there are regions of the articular surface of the knee in which there is minimal load or contact and that are therefore expendable as donor osteochondral plugs. We prefer a single-plug technique whenever possible because it is easier to perform and only requires union of the plug to native bone across 1 interface. If a single plug will not cover the defect or cannot be made to match the contour of the capitellum, multiple plugs may be used (i.e., mosaicplasty).

Description

Place the patient with the operative side up in the lateral decubitus position with the arm in a holder. First, perform a diagnostic elbow arthroscopy. Use the proximal anteromedial portal to insert the scope across the front of the joint. Using a switching stick, make an anterolateral portal. Place a cannula to prevent having to go in and out of the joint multiple times, as this increases the risk of neurologic injury. Perform a synovectomy if necessary and remove any loose bodies. The absence of synovitis is a sign that the lesion has likely healed. Inspect the capitellum and radial head. The anterior margin of the OCD lesion of the capitellum will be barely visible as the joint is brought to extension.If the lesion is readily visible in the anterior compartment, the lesion will be too anterior to approach from an anconeus split approach. In this case, some have advocated a takedown of the lateral collateral ligament to aid in visualization from a lateral approach¹. We have had good success with a direct anterior approach between the brachialis and brachioradialis, mobilizing the radial nerve laterally.If the chondral injury is extensive or includes the articular surface of the radial head, then the injury is too advanced to successfully treat with an OAT procedure. In these cases, we perform an interposition arthroplasty of the radiocapitellar joint. Radial head resection is not an option in a child because of the high risk of proximal radial migration. Radial head replacement likewise is not an option because of the high risk of failure.Switch the viewing and working portals again with use of switching sticks and repeat the process for the medial side of the joint. Make a direct posterior and a proximal posterolateral portal. Never debride on or near the medial gutter because the ulnar nerve is immediately adjacent. Establish a soft spot portal and place the scope through it. Loose bodies and extensive synovitis are typically seen in this area when the soft spot portal is used as a viewing portal. The OCD lesion should be visible through the soft spot portal. If the lesion is not readily visible with some elbow flexion, then the lesion is probably too anterior for an anconeus split approach and an anterior approach should be considered.Challenge the lesion with a probe. If the cartilage is damaged but the subchondral bone holds firm, perform a microfracture technique. If the cartilage is soft or unstable and the underlying bone is compromised, perform an OAT procedure. In the majority of cases in which the lesion is accessible posteriorly, connect the proximal posterolateral portal and the soft spot portal and split the anconeus. The lesion will be visible in deep flexion. There are several options for instrumentation from multiple manufacturers that each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Using a recipient harvester, remove the diseased bone and cartilage to a stable rim, keeping the harvester as perpendicular to the surface as possible.At the knee, make a 3-cm transverse incision directly over the superolateral corner of the lateral femoral condyle. Harvest an appropriately sized plug from the superolateral corner of the articular surface. Inspect the plug because it will often be slightly thicker on one side. Rotate the plug to match the contour of the defect in the capitellum. Mallet the donor plug into the recipient deficit with gentle taps, using as few taps as possible to limit chondrocyte injury. Fill the defect in the knee with your choice of bone substitute. Close both wounds in layers.

Alternatives

Other options include allograft plugs, periosteal resurfacing, bone grafting, retrograde and antegrade drilling, and observation.

Rationale

The OCD lesion involves both bone and cartilage. There is now ample evidence that replacing both as a unit yields the best outcomes.

Expected Outcomes

Approximately 90% of patients will return to sports participation, and 80% of patients can expect to return to sport at their previous level of participation^1-3.

Important Tips

A diagnostic arthroscopy confirms the need for the OAT procedure and identifies other pathologies.Remove all of the diseased bone with the recipient harvester.Match the size and contour of the lesion as closely as possible with the plug.Immobilize the elbow in a cast for 4 weeks.

Evaluation and management of elbow injuries in the adolescent overhead athlete

With an increased interest in youth sports, the burden of overhead throwing elbow injuries accompanying early single-sport focus has steadily risen. During the overhead throwing motion, valgus torque can reach and surpass Newton meters (N m) during the late cocking and early acceleration phases, which exceeds the tensile strength (22.7–33 N m) of the ulnar collateral ligament. While the ulnar collateral ligament serves as the primary valgus stabilizer between and degrees of elbow flexion, other structures about the elbow must contribute to stability during throwing. Depending on an athlete’s stage of skeletal maturity, certain patterns of injury are observed with mechanical failures resulting from increased medial laxity, lateral-sided compression, and posterior extension shearing forces. Together, these injury patterns represent a wide range of conditions that arise from valgus extension overload. The purpose of this article is to review common pathologies observed in the adolescent overhead throwing athlete in the context of functional anatomy, osseous development, and throwing mechanics. Operative and non-operative management and their associated outcomes will be discussed for these injuries.

Acellular Cartilage Repair Technique Based on Ultrapurified Alginate Gel Implantation for Advanced Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans

Background:

One of the most important limitations of osteochondral autograft transplant is the adverse effect on donor sites in the knee. Ultrapurified alginate (UPAL) gel is a novel biomaterial that enhances hyaline-like cartilage repair for articular defects. To avoid the need for knee cartilage autografting when treating osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum, we developed a surgical procedure involving a bone marrow stimulation technique (BMST) augmented by implantation of UPAL gel.

Hypothesis:

BMST augmented by UPAL gel implantation improves the cartilage repair capacity and provides satisfactory clinical outcomes in OCD of the capitellum.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 5 athletes with advanced capitellar OCD in the dominant elbow underwent BMST augmented by implantation of UPAL gel. The osteochondral defects were filled with UPAL gel after BMST. At a mean follow-up of 97 weeks, all patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically.

Results:

At final follow-up, all 5 patients had returned to competitive-level sports, and 4 patients were free from elbow pain. The mean Timmerman-Andrews score significantly improved from 100 to 194 points. Radiographically, all patients exhibited graft incorporation and a normal contour of the subchondral cortex. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the preoperative heterogeneity of the lesion had disappeared, and the signal intensity had returned to normal. Arthroscopic examinations consistently exhibited improvement in the International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) grade of lesions from 3 or 4 to 1 or 2 in 4 patients at 85 weeks postoperatively. Histologic analysis of biopsy specimens revealed an average total ICRS Visual Assessment Scale II histologic score of 1060.

Conclusion:

The acellular cartilage repair technique using UPAL gel for advanced capitellar OCD provided satisfactory clinical and radiographic results. The present results suggest that this novel technique is a useful, minimally invasive approach for treating cartilaginous lesions in athletes.

Treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum with a fragment fixation method using absorbable pins

Hypothesis

This study aimed to investigate the results, indications, and limitations of absorbable pin fixation for osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum in the separation stage.

Methods

This study included 35 patients (mean age, 14.0 years). Patients were divided into two groups: Group A included those who obtained complete union within 6 months and Group B included those who did not observe complete union within 6 months. The clinical findings were compared between the groups.

Results

There were 26 and 6 patients in Groups A and B, respectively. Two patients did not obtain complete union. Clinical outcomes improved after the procedure. In univariate analysis, delayed union was associated with larger major diameter (P = .0004) and more depth (P = .03) of the osteochondral fragment measured by computed tomography, the presence of osteosclerosis in the subchondral bed on X-ray imaging (P = .003), and the presence of comminution of subchondral bone on ultrasound imaging (P = .01). In multivariate analysis, there was a significant difference only in the major diameter of the osteochondral fragment (P = .03). Receiver operating characteristic curves analysis shows that if the major diameter of the osteochondral fragment is 11 mm or less, 85% of patients achieve complete union of the osteochondral fragments within 6 months.

Conclusion

Absorbable pin fixation may be considered for the osteochondral fragments with major diameter of 11 mm or less and should not be considered for patients who demonstrate osteosclerosis in the subchondral bed or comminution of subchondral bone.

Satisfaction With Elbow Function and Return Status After Autologous Osteochondral Transplant for Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans in High School Baseball Players

BACKGROUND

Osteochondral autograft transplant (OAT), a surgical treatment for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), has favorable rates of elbow recovery and return to sports in adolescents. However, few reports have investigated how long patients continue to play baseball after OAT and their satisfaction with their treatment outcome.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the rate of boys who played baseball and received OAT for OCD in junior high school or earlier (age <15 years) and continued to play baseball in high school and the players' satisfaction with their elbow function during play.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A total of 32 elbows of boys who played baseball and received OAT at age ≤15 years (mean, 14.1 years) were examined and divided into pitcher (n = 11) and nonpitcher (n = 21) groups according to their player position before surgery. The clinical Timmerman-Andrews score at the end of their high school baseball, participation percentage of players who continued to play baseball, and satisfaction level during play (on a scale of 0-10 during pitching and batting and in a 4-choice format) were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The Timmerman-Andrews scores significantly improved after surgery in both groups, with no significant difference between the groups. Of the 32 players, 30 (93.8%) continued to play baseball throughout high school, including all players in the pitcher group and 19 (90.5%) of those in the nonpitcher group. The percentage of players who continued to pitch was 55.6% (6/11) in the pitcher group. Satisfaction with elbow joint function at the time of pitching was significantly lower in the pitcher group. Further, 5 players reported being "a little unsatisfied" because of elbow pain during pitching. All of the players indicated satisfaction with elbow function during batting.

CONCLUSION

The percentage of players who received OAT for OCD in junior high school and continued to play baseball in high school was favorable. However, satisfaction with elbow function during throwing was lower in pitchers than in nonpitchers.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Before surgery, consent should be obtained from patients who are pitchers after it is explained that satisfaction with elbow joint function during pitching could be decreased after OAT.

Interobserver reliability of the classification of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans using magnetic resonance imaging

AIM

(1) To determine the interobserver reliability of magnetic resonance classifications and lesion instability criteria for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans lesions and (2) to assess differences in reliability between subgroups.

METHODS

Magnetic resonance images of 20 patients with capitellar osteochondritis dissecans were reviewed by 33 observers, 18 orthopaedic surgeons and 15 musculoskeletal radiologists. Observers were asked to classify the osteochondritis dissecans according to classifications developed by Hepple, Dipaola/Nelson, Itsubo, as well as to apply the lesion instability criteria of DeSmet/Kijowski and Satake. Interobserver agreement was calculated using the multirater kappa (k) coefficient.

RESULTS

Interobserver agreement ranged from slight to fair: Hepple (k = 0.23); Dipaola/Nelson (k = 0.19); Itsubo (k = 0.18); DeSmet/Kijowksi (k = 0.16); Satake (k = 0.12). When classifications/instability criteria were dichotomized into either a stable or unstable osteochondritis dissecans, there was more agreement for Hepple (k = 0.52; p = .002), Dipaola/Nelson (k = 0.38; p = .015), DeSmet/Kijowski (k = 0.42; p = .001) and Satake (k = 0.41; p < .001). Overall, agreement was not associated with the number of years in practice or the number of osteochondritis dissecans cases encountered per year (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

One should be cautious when assigning grades using magnetic resonance classifications for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans. When making treatment decisions, one should rather use relatively simple distinctions (e.g. stable versus unstable osteochondritis dissecans; lateral wall intact versus not intact), as these are more reliable.

Autologous Osteoarticular Transfer From the Lateral Femoral Condyle to the Scaphoid Facet in the Treatment of a Malunited Pediatric Distal Radius Fracture With Physeal Bar

Background: Injury to the articular surface of the distal radius commonly occurs after a fall onto an outstretched hand. Intra-articular fractures that cause joint depression require operative intervention and can be especially challenging in skeletally immature patients. Methods: This case report describes the use of an osteoarticular autograft in the treatment of a 13-year-old boy with a malunited distal radius fracture. Results: Osteoarticular transfer from the lateral femoral condyle provided definitive treatment of the malunion and physeal bar and resulted in significant improvement in range of motion. Conclusions: Osteoarticular autograft can be safely used to treat malunions of distal radius articular surface depression fractures in skeletally immature patients.

Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the Elbow: A Systematic Review of Osteochondral Graft Reconstruction Options

PURPOSE

To systematically evaluate the outcomes and complications of osteochondral autograft transfer (OAT) and osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) for the surgical treatment of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).

METHODS

A literature search was conducted across 3 databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and CINAHL [Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature]) from database inception through December 2019 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Individual study quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies scale. Studies were published between 2005 and 2019.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies consisting of 446 elbow OCD lesions treated with OAT surgery were included. There was a single OCA study eligible for inclusion. Patient ages ranged from 10 to 45 years. Of the OAT studies, 4 used autologous costal grafts whereas the remainder used autografts from the knee. Outcome measures were heterogeneously reported. A significant improvement in Timmerman-Andrews scores from preoperatively to postoperatively was reported in 9 of 10 studies. Return-to-play rates to the preinjury level of competitive play ranged from 62% to 100% across 16 studies. Significant improvement in motion, most often extension, was noted in most studies. Reported complication, reoperation, and failure rates ranged from 0% to 11%, 0% to 26%, and 0% to 20%, respectively. When used, knee autografts resulted in low donor-site morbidity (Lysholm scores, 70-100).

CONCLUSIONS

OAT surgery for large, unstable OCD lesions of the capitellum reliably produced good outcomes, few complications, and a high rate of return to competitive play. Complications are relatively uncommon, and donor-site morbidity is low. Less is known about the performance of OCA given the paucity of available literature.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level II to IV studies.

Long-Term Outcomes of Arthroscopic Debridement With or Without Drilling for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum in Adolescent Baseball Players: A ≥10-Year Follow-Up Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of arthroscopic debridement for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in adolescent baseball players.

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated clinical outcomes of arthroscopic debridement for capitellar OCD in adolescent baseball players seen between 2003 and 2006. Inclusion criteria were at least 10 years of follow-up after surgery. Exclusion criteria were previous elbow surgery and age <12 years or >19 years. Patients were examined for presence of pain, inflammation (effusion), and range of motion. Outcome measures were determined using Timmerman/Andrews scores. Defect severity on preoperative radiographs was classified into 3 grades: small, moderate, and large. Return to baseball, pre- and postoperative range of motion and Timmerman/Andrews elbow score were evaluated according to defect severity.

RESULTS

Twenty-three elbows of 23 baseball players (mean age, 14.7 [range, 13-17] years) underwent arthroscopic debridement for capitellar OCD. Mean follow-up duration was 11.5 (range, 10-13) years. Twenty patients (87%) returned to competitive baseball at their preoperative level; of these, 15 were non-pitchers and returned to the same position but only 1 of 5 pitchers returned to playing pitcher. One patient with a large defect and drilling underwent reoperation 11 years after the initial operation. Mean change in extension was 4.3° and that in flexion was 3.7°. Timmerman/Andrews score improved significantly from 160 (95% confidence interval 146.7-173.3) to 195 (95% confidence interval 185.2-204.8) at the most recent follow-up (P ˂ .0001). Osteochondral defects detected on preoperative radiographs were small in 10 patients, moderate in 7, and large in 6. There was no significant between-group difference in extension, flexion, or Timmerman/Andrews score preoperatively or at the most recent follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic debridement with or without drilling allowed return to play in adolescent baseball players for positions other than pitchers. Long-term outcomes are likely durable regardless of lesion size.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, Case series.

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.

Editorial Commentary: "Elbow-to-Elbow" Capitellar Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation for Osteochondritis Dissecans-Are We Closer to the Holy Grail of Osteochondral Graft?

The knee or rib has been used routinely as a donor site for capitellar osteochondral autologous transplantation (osteoarticular transplantation) procedures with promising results. However, donor-site morbidity is a bitter truth that has led surgeons to pursue alternatives to the ipsilateral elbow. The non-articulating radial head and the lateral olecranon tip show acceptable topography and histology. However, size limitations require additional and clinical study.

Histologic Analysis of 2 Alternative Donor Sites of the Ipsilateral Elbow in the Treatment of Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans

PURPOSE

To compare the histologic features of the cartilage from the capitellum with 2 proposed alternative donor sites from the ipsilateral elbow in the treatment of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): the nonarticulating part of the radial head and the nonarticulating lateral side of the olecranon tip.

METHODS

Ten human cadaveric elbow specimens with macroscopically normal articular surfaces were used to obtain 5-mm osteochondral grafts: 10 from the capitellum (60° anteriorly relative to the humeral shaft), 10 from the radial head (nonarticulating part at 80°), and 4 from the olecranon (lateral side of the olecranon tip). Grafts were fixated in formalin (4% formaldehyde), decalcified, and processed into standard 8-μm-thick hematoxylin and eosin-and Toluidine Blue-stained sections. These were assessed for cartilage thickness, shape of articular surface, and 13 histologic parameters of the International Cartilage Repair Society II. Olecranon scores were excluded from statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Mean cartilage thickness was 1.5 ± 0.22 mm at the capitellum; 1.3 ± 0.34 mm at the radial head; and 1.9 ± 1.0 mm at the olecranon. There was no difference in cartilage thickness between the capitellum and radial head (P = .062). All grafts demonstrated a convex articular surface. International Cartilage Repair Society II scores ranged from 82 to 100 for the capitellum, from 81 to 100 for the radial head, and from 67 to 87 for the olecranon tip. There was less chondrocyte clustering at the capitellum (84 ± 14) than in the radial head (94 ± 3.2; P = .019). Mid/deep zone assessment of the capitellum scored higher (97 ± 6.7) than the radial head (91 ± 4.6; P = .038).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates appropriate histologic similarities between the cartilage from the capitellum and 2 alternative donor sites of the ipsilateral elbow in the treatment of capitellar OCD: the nonarticulating part of the radial head and the nonarticulating lateral side of the olecranon tip.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

From an histologic point of view, there seem to be no obstacles to use grafts from these alternative donor sites for reconstruction of the capitellum when performing osteochondral autologous transplantation.

Donor Site Evaluation After Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation for Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans

BACKGROUND

Osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) requires harvesting of tissue from the asymptomatic knee joint. However, donor site morbidity (DSM) in such cases remains unclear.

PURPOSE

To evaluate DSM and postoperative radiographic findings in patients undergoing OAT for advanced capitellar OCD.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Eighty-six juvenile athletes underwent OAT for advanced capitellar OCD. The 2000 International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, rate of return to sports, and symptoms in the donor knee were assessed at a mean follow-up of 86 months (range, 28-185 months). Additionally, 49 of the 86 patients were assessed by radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the knee donor site. DSM was defined according to the usual criterion (persistent symptoms for >1 year or the need for subsequent intervention) and a stricter criterion (the presence of any symptoms, such as effusion, patellofemoral complaints, crepitation, unspecified disturbance, stiffness, pain/instability during activities, and osteoarthritic change). The stricter criterion was also used to allocate patients into a DSM group and a no-DSM group.

RESULTS

Two and 11 patients were determined to have DSM according to the usual and stricter criteria, respectively. All patients returned to the competitive level of their sports. The mean International Knee Documentation Committee score was 99.0. MRI findings showed abnormal signal intensity in 17 patients (35%) and hypertrophic changes in 11 patients (22%) at the donor harvest sites. The MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) score was higher in the no-DSM group (mean, 68.2) than in the DSM group (mean, 52.9) (P = .027).

CONCLUSION

OAT for juvenile athletes with advanced capitellar OCD provided good clinical outcomes. The DSM rate was relatively low (2.3%) with the usual criterion but high (12.8%) with the stricter criterion. MRI showed an abnormal signal intensity and hypertrophy in some cases.

Implant-type tissue-engineered cartilage derived from human auricular chondrocyte may maintain cartilaginous property even under osteoinductive condition

INTRODUCTION

There is a growing need for chondrocyte implantation for reconstructing cartilage defect. However, ossification of the implanted cartilage is a challenging problem. Implant-type tissue-engineered cartilage from human auricular chondrocytes is a three-dimensional implant type cartilage using PLLA as a scaffold for chondrocytes. Although there is a study which evaluated the ossification of this cartilage in subcutaneous area, there is no study which clarify the possibility of ossification in osteoinductive surroundings. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the possibility of the ossification of implant-type tissue-engineered cartilage using human auricular chondrocyte in an osteoinductive environment.

METHODS

Human chondrocytes were harvested from ear cartilage. After dispersion by enzyme digestion, they were put into either a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) or poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffold, with collagen gel. Implant-type tissue-engineered cartilage was interposed between pieces of human iliac bone harvested from the same donor and implanted subcutaneously in nude rats. Scaffold without chondrocytes was used as a control. After 1, 3, and 6 months, ossification and cartilage formation were evaluated by X-ray, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stain and toluidine blue (TB) stain.

RESULTS

There was no ossification of implant-type cartilage using human chondrocytes, even under osteoinductive conditions. HE staining showed that perichondrium formed around the constructs and chondrocytes were observed 6months after the implantation. TB staining showed metachromasia in every sample, with the area of metachromasia increasing over time, suggesting maturation of the cartilage.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, adjacent iliac bone had no apparent effect on the maturation of cartilage in implant-type tissue-engineered cartilage. Cartilage retention and maturation even in the presence of iliac bone could have been due to a scarcity of mesenchymal stem cells in the bone and surrounding area.

Time to Return to School After 10 Common Orthopaedic Surgeries Among Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Return to school among adolescents is often overlooked in orthopaedic outcome studies. The purpose was to measure the time missed from school after 10 common orthopedic surgeries.

METHODS

Patients, 5 to 19 years old enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school, who underwent treatment for fixation of type III supracondylar humerus fracture, midshaft femur fracture fixation, isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, isolated partial menisectomy, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis fusion, closed reduction of both-bone forearm fracture, arthroscopic Bankart repair, hip arthroscopy with femoroacetabular impingement correction, limb length discrepancy correction, or surgical fixation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 school years were identified for this Institutional Review Board-approved study. All patients were contacted after surgery to determine date of return to school, number of days in session, and number of school days missed.

RESULTS

Two hundred six patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. Mean age at time of surgery was 13.0±3.8 years. There were 105 males (51%). Mean time to return to school overall was 13.0±15.2 days. Very few students (n=9; 4%) did not miss any school days during recovery from the procedure of interest. The average number of days missed from school for males was 6.6 days compared with 8.4 days in females (P=0.20). There was no difference between patients aged 5 to 12 years compared with those aged 13 to 19 years (7.1 vs. 7.7 d, respectively; P=0.69). On average, patients who underwent closed reduction of a both-bone forearm fracture returned to school the quickest following surgery (3.4±1.2 d) and missed the least amount of in-session school days (1.9±0.9 d), and those who underwent adolescent idiopathic scoliosis fusion were out of school the longest (42.3±21.4 d) and missed the greatest number of in-session school days (27.6±14.7 d).

CONCLUSIONS

Information regarding average time missed from school for 10 common orthopaedic surgeries can be used by clinicians to counsel patients and their families regarding expected recovery time.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the capitellum in overhead athletes: a review of current evidence and proposed treatment algorithm

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

To review the most recent literature on osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the capitellum in overhead athletes and describe a treatment algorithm based on current best evidence and surgeon experience.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research has included larger cohort studies with longer follow-up as well as quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses. These studies have focused on understanding how lesion characteristics such as size, location, and appearance on advanced imaging can predict treatment success. Current literature continues to support nonoperative management for stable lesions. Operative intervention is generally required for unstable lesions and treatment strategies are largely dictated by lesion size and location: debridement or reparative techniques for small lesions while larger lesions or those in high-stress locations are better served by bone and/or cartilage restoration procedures. There has been a rising interest in the use of allograft materials and cell-based therapies. Overhead athletes are uniquely predisposed to capitellar OCD due to the nature of forces applied to the radiocapitellar joint during repeated activity in the overhead position. Despite improvements in operative techniques, successful use of alternative graft materials, and a better understanding of how lesion characteristics influence results, there is still much to learn about this challenging disorder. Future research should focus on comparing operative techniques, refining their indications, and further developing a reliable treatment algorithm that best serves the overhead athlete.

Location of Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the Capitellum

PURPOSE

The location of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in the sagittal plane guides the surgical approach, and lesion location in the coronal plane influences surgical management. Although most lesions have been reported to occur between 4 o'clock and 4:30 (120° to 135° anterior to the humerus), some lesions are located elsewhere in the capitellum. The primary aim was to define the region of the capitellum affected by OCD lesions using a novel clock-face localization system.

METHODS

We reviewed 104 magnetic resonance imaging examinations diagnosing a nontraumatic capitellar OCD lesion. In the sagittal plane, lesion margins were recorded as degrees on the capitellum and converted into a clock-face format in which 0° corresponds to 12:00 with the forearm facing to the right. The 0° axis (12-o'clock axis) was defined as a line parallel to the anterior humeral line that intersects the capitellum center. The following coronal measurements were recorded: lesion width, capitellar width, and distance between the lateral capitellum and lateral lesion. Two independent observers took measurements.

RESULTS

In the sagittal plane, average lesion location was 92° to 150° (3:04-5:00, clock face) and ranged from 52.1° to 249.5° (1:44-8:19, clock face). Average lesion dimensions were 10.7 mm (mediolateral width) and 5.2 mm (anteroposterior depth). Interrater reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

Using a magnetic resonance imaging-based clock-face localization system, we found that capitellar OCD lesions affect a broad region of the capitellum in the sagittal plane.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The clock-face localization system allows for precise description of capitellar OCD lesion location, which may facilitate intraoperative decision and longitudinal monitoring.

A matched quantitative computed tomography analysis of 3 surgical approaches for osteochondral reconstruction of the capitellum

BACKGROUND

The location of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in the sagittal plane guides the surgical approach used for autologous osteochondral transplantation. We sought to compare the capitellar region accessible for orthogonal graft placement through 3 approaches: (1) posterior anconeus-split approach; (2) lateral approach with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) preservation (LCL-preserving lateral approach); and (3) lateral approach with LCL release (LCL-sacrificing lateral approach).

METHODS

The 3 approaches were sequentially performed on 9 cadaveric elbows: posterior anconeus-split approach, LCL-preserving lateral approach, and LCL-releasing lateral approach. The extent of perpendicular access was delineated with Kirschner wires. Each specimen underwent computed tomography. The accessible region was quantified as degrees on the capitellum and converted into time on a clock, where 0° corresponds to the 12-o'clock position. Generalized estimating equation modeling was used to investigate for significant within-specimen, between-approach differences.

RESULTS

The LCL-preserving and LCL-sacrificing lateral approaches provided more anterior perpendicular access than the posterior anconeus-split approach (mean, 0° vs 83°; P < .001). The posterior anconeus-split approach provided more posterior perpendicular access (mean, 215.0°; P < .001) than the LCL-preserving (mean, 117°; P < .001) and LCL-sacrificing (mean, 145°; P < .001) lateral approaches. The LCL-sacrificing lateral approach provided more posterior exposure than the LCL-preserving lateral approach (mean, 145° vs 117°; P < .001). The mean arc of visualization was greater for the LCL-sacrificing lateral approach than for the LCL-preserving lateral approach (145° vs 117°, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

A capitellar OCD lesion can be perpendicularly accessed from a posterior anconeus-split approach if it is posterior to 83° (2:46 clock-face position). A laterally based approach may be required for lesions anterior to this threshold. These data inform clinical decisions regarding the appropriate surgical approach for any OCD lesion.

Editorial Commentary: Is the Cure Worse Than the Disease? Harvesting Autologous Osteochondral Transfer Plugs for Treatment of Lesions of the Elbow

For autologous osteochondral transfer procedures for osteochondritis dessicans of the elbow, surgeons usually use the knee or ribs as donor sites. This procedure is not without donor site complications. Finding local donor sites is important to reducing the overall morbidity of this procedure.

Autologous Osteochondral Mosaicplasty for Centrally and Laterally Located, Advanced Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans in Teenage Athletes: Clinical Outcomes, Radiography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

BACKGROUND

Autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty (ie, mosaicplasty) results in satisfactory clinical outcomes and reliable return to play for patients with large or unstable lesions due to osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum. However, the association between the healing of the reconstructed cartilage and clinical outcomes remains unclear.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of mosaicplasty in teenage athletes through use of clinical scores and imaging. The secondary purpose was to compare the clinical outcomes with images of centrally and laterally located lesions.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

This study analyzed 22 elbows (all male patients; mean age, 13.5 ± 1.2 years) with capitellar OCD managed with mosaicplasty. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the location of the lesions: central (10 patients) and lateral (12 patients). Evaluation was performed through use of the clinical rating system of Timmerman and Andrews, plain radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; the cartilage repair monitoring system of Roberts). The mean follow-up period was 27.5 months (range, 24-48 months).

RESULTS

Lateral lesions were significantly larger than central lesions (147.1 ± 51.9 mm² vs 95.5 ± 27.4 mm², P = .01). No other significant differences were found between central and lateral lesions. Timmerman and Andrews scores for both central and lateral lesions improved significantly from 125.0 ± 30.1 points and 138.3 ± 34.5 points preoperatively to 193.5 ± 11.3 points and 186.7 ± 18.1 points, respectively, at final follow-up ( P < .0001, P < .0001). Radiography identified complete graft incorporation in all cases and the absence of severe osteoarthritic changes or displaced osteochondral fragments. In the lateral group, the radial head ratio at final follow-up (1.83 ± 0.23) was significantly larger than the preoperative findings (1.75 ± 0.14, P = .049). The quality of joint surface reconstruction was found to be acceptable for central and lateral lesions on MRI evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Mosaicplasty resulted in satisfactory clinical outcomes and smooth cartilage surface integrity in teenage athletes with OCD on their return to competition-level sports activities irrespective of lesion location.

Topographic Analysis of 2 Alternative Donor Sites of the Ipsilateral Elbow in the Treatment of Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans

PURPOSE

To find the best topographic subchondral bone match between the capitellum and 2 proposed alternative donor sites of the ipsilateral elbow for capitellar osteochondral autologous transplantation: the non-articulating part of the radial head and the lateral olecranon tip.

METHODS

In our retrospective database, 20 patients with an unremarkable computed tomography scan of the elbow despite clinical suspicion were identified for analysis. Included were patients aged 11 to 20 years with intact osseous structures and a computed tomography slice thickness of 1.25 mm or less. Three-dimensional polygon models were created using a standard predefined threshold, after which 4 articular surface lesions on the capitellum were created: central 40°, central 60°, lateral 40°, and lateral 60°. In addition, 3 donor locations on the non-articulating part of the radial head (diameter, 5 mm) and the lateral olecranon tip (diameter, 3.5 mm) were created. For each of 24 donor-recipient combinations, the donor graft surface was virtually placed on the recipient surface to quantify the mean distance between surfaces.

RESULTS

The group of 20 patients consisted of 16 male and 4 female patients with a mean age of 15.9 years (range, 12-18 years). For a central 40° lesion, the mean distance across all 6 donor-recipient combinations ranged from 0.085 ± 0.023 to 0.118 ± 0.036 mm; for a central 60° lesion, the mean distance ranged from 0.075 ± 0.018 to 0.117 ± 0.062 mm; for a lateral 40° lesion, the mean distance ranged from 0.087 ± 0.030 to 0.182 ± 0.226 mm; and for a lateral 60° lesion, the mean distance ranged from 0.084 ± 0.048 to 0.115 ± 0.045 mm. There were no differences in topographic matching between donor-recipient combinations.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study show a less than 0.2-mm difference in the topographic subchondral bone match between 4 common lesion locations on the capitellum and 2 alternative donor sites of the ipsilateral elbow for capitellar osteochondral autologous transplantation: the non-articulating part of the radial head and the lateral olecranon tip.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that the non-articulating part of the radial head and the lateral olecranon tip may potentially be used as a donor source when treating capitellar osteochondritis dissecans.

Costal Osteochondral Autograft for Advanced Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Capitellum in Adolescent and Young Adult Athletes: Clinical Outcomes with a Mean Follow-up of 4.8 Years

BACKGROUND

Costal osteochondral grafting is a technique to achieve anatomical and biological repair of articular defects. Some small series of clinical applications of this procedure for advanced osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum, with short-term follow-up, have been reported; however, longer-term outcomes remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify longer-term clinical outcomes of costal osteochondral autografts in the treatment of advanced osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum.

METHODS

Seventy-two patients with an osteochondral defect of the humeral capitellum were treated with costal osteochondral autograft and followed for a minimum of 3 years (mean follow-up, 57 months; range, 36 to 147 months). The mean patient age was 14.3 years. Clinical outcomes, including elbow range of motion, Timmerman and Andrews clinical rating score, donor-site morbidity, responses to a questionnaire regarding a return to sporting activities, and radiographic findings, were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean elbow range of extension/flexion increased significantly, from -21°/122° preoperatively to -4°/136° postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean clinical rating score improved significantly, from 101 to 190 by the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). The overall clinical score-based assessment was excellent for 60 patients, good for 9, and fair for 3. Seventy of the 72 patients returned to their original sport. The remaining 2 patients had changed sporting activities before surgery and did not return to baseball, despite satisfactory clinical results.

CONCLUSIONS

Costal osteochondral autograft successfully achieved anatomical and biological reconstruction in the treatment of advanced osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Elbow Injuries in the Adolescent Thrower

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With an increasing rate of adolescent elbow injuries, especially in throwing athletes, the purpose of this review is to investigate the current literature regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and non-operative and operative outcomes of medial epicondyle fractures, ulnar collateral ligament repair, osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow, and olecranon stress fractures.

RECENT FINDINGS

Acceptable outcomes with both non-operative and operative treatments of medial epicondyle fractures have been reported, with surgical indications continuing to evolve. Unstable osteochondritis dissecans lesions, especially in patients with closed growth plates, require operative fixation, and emerging open and arthroscopic techniques including lesion debridement, marrow stimulation, autograft transfer, and allograft transplantation are described with good outcomes. Ulnar collateral repair has emerged as an exciting treatment option for an avulsion of either end of the ligament in young throwing athletes, with faster rehabilitation times than traditional ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. Olecranon stress fractures are increasing in prevalence, and when a non-operative treatment course is unsuccessful, athletes have a high return-to-play rate after percutaneous cannulated screw placement. With proper indications, non-operative and operative treatment modalities are reported with a high return-to-play and acceptable clinical outcomes for common elbow injuries, including medial epicondyle fractures, ulnar collateral ligament repair, osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow, and olecranon stress fractures, in adolescent throwing athletes. Further research is needed to better define treatment algorithms, surgical indications, and outcomes.

What's New in Pediatric Upper Extremity Sports Injuries?

BACKGROUND

Sports injuries are common in pediatric and adolescent patients and the evaluation and treatment of these injuries continues to evolve. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the most recent literature, highlighting updates on sports-related upper extremity injuries in pediatric patients.

METHODS

An electronic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases was performed for keywords related to pediatric overhead athletes, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum, medial epicondyle fractures, shoulder instability, and clavicle fractures. Search results were filtered by publication date to yield articles published electronically or in print on or after January 1, 2013 to May 30, 2017. Papers were selected based on expert opinion and consensus by the authors and included if deemed to have contributed important findings to the above topics.

RESULTS

A total of 51 articles were deemed to have contributed significant findings to the literature: 11 overhead athlete, 9 OCD of the capitellum, 6 medial epicondyle fractures, 17 shoulder instability, and 8 clavicle fractures. The level of evidence for most studies was either Level III or IV.

CONCLUSIONS

Overuse and traumatic conditions of the pediatric elbow including UCL tear, capitellar OCD, and medial epicondyle fractures represent a significant portion of injuries in the overhead athlete. Research in the prevention and treatment of primary and recurrent shoulder instability in young athletes continues to evolve. The operative treatment of clavicle fractures in adolescents has been increasing without a commensurate increase in the level of evidence supporting such treatment. Advances have been made in the treatment of sports-related upper extremity injuries in pediatric patients, however, high-level, comparative outcomes research in many areas is lacking and this review may help inform topics for future study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-Literature review.

Comparison of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes Between Central and Lateral Lesions After Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Capitellum

BACKGROUND

Clinical studies have reported satisfactory results after osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) for central lesions of unstable osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow. However, the outcomes after OAT for lateral lesions remain unclear.

HYPOTHESIS

The clinical outcomes of OAT would be better for central lesions than for lateral lesions.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively evaluated 103 juvenile athletes (mean age, 13.2 years; range, 11-16 years) who underwent OAT for symptomatic OCD of the humeral capitellum from 2003 to 2014. Sixteen patients were excluded because they did not fit the inclusion criteria. The final cohort of 87 patients was divided by lesion type into central lesion (n = 43) and lateral lesion (n = 44) groups. When possible, a single large plug was created for grafting and trimmed to reconstruct the rounded joint surface. The clinical, radiographic, and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes were evaluated for each group at a mean follow-up of 43 months (range, 24-100 months).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the age, sex, height, weight, duration of symptoms, follow-up time, preoperative range of motion, or Timmerman and Andrews score between the 2 groups. The preoperative osteoarthritic changes (0 of 43 for central vs 5 of 44 cases for lateral; P = .023), mean lesion size (12.2 ± 2.9 vs 18.2 ± 7.0 mm; P < .001), and graft number (1.6 vs 2.8; P < .001) were significantly greater in the lateral group versus the central group. The mean range of extension (2.3° ± 5.4° vs -3.2° ± 8.7°; P < .001) and Timmerman and Andrews score (194 vs 185; P = .006) at the final follow-up were significantly better for patients in the central group. More patients in the lateral group had postoperative radial head subluxation (0 of 43 vs 6 of 44; P = .012) and osteoarthritic changes (1 of 43 vs 9 of 44; P = .008). The mean MOCART score showed no significant differences between the groups (78.0 ± 15.7 vs 72.6 ± 20.9; P = .181). The rate of return to sports at the previous level was 100% in the central group and 86% in the lateral group ( P = .012).

CONCLUSION

The clinical and radiographic outcomes after OAT associated with unstable OCD of the humeral capitellum were better for central lesions than for lateral lesions. However, satisfactory outcomes and a high rate of return to sports were obtained for unstable lateral lesions after OAT.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum: lesion size and pattern analysis using quantitative 3-dimensional computed tomography and mapping technique

BACKGROUND

The goals of this study were to evaluate the reliability of a quantitative 3-dimensional computed tomography (Q3DCT) technique for measurement of the capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) surface area, to analyze OCD distribution using a mapping technique, and to investigate associations between Q3DCT lesion quantification and demographic characteristics and/or clinical examination findings.

METHODS

We identified patients with capitellar OCD who presented to our orthopedic sports medicine practice between January 2001 and January 2016 and who had undergone a preoperative computed tomography scan (slice thickness ≤1.25 mm). A total of 17 patients with a median age of 15 years (range, 12-23 years) were included in this study. Three-dimensional polygon models were reconstructed after osseous structures were marked in 3 planes. Surface areas of the OCD lesion as well as the capitellum were measured. Observer agreement was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Heat maps were created to visualize OCD distribution.

RESULTS

Measurements of the OCD surface area showed almost perfect intraobserver agreement (ICC, 0.99; confidence interval [CI], 0.98-0.99) and interobserver agreement (ICC, 0.93; CI, 0.86-0.97). Measurements of the capitellar surface area also showed almost perfect intraobserver agreement (ICC, 0.97;CI, 0.91-0.99) and interobserver agreement (ICC, 0.86; CI, 0.46-0.96). The median OCD surface area was 101 mm² (range, 49-217 mm²). On the basis of OCD heat mapping, the posterolateral zone of the capitellum was most frequently affected. OCDs in which the lateral wall was involved were associated with larger lesion size (P = .041), longer duration of symptoms (P = .030), and worse elbow extension (P = .013).

CONCLUSIONS

The ability to quantify the capitellar OCD surface area and lesion location in a reliable manner using Q3DCT and a mapping technique should be considered when detailed knowledge of lesion size and location is desired.

Clinical Outcome After Arthroscopic Debridement and Microfracture for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum

BACKGROUND

Various surgical treatment techniques have been developed to treat capitellar osteochondritis dissecans; however, the optimal technique remains the subject of ongoing debate.

PURPOSE

To evaluate clinical outcomes after arthroscopic debridement and microfracture for advanced capitellar osteochondritis dissecans.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2015, the authors followed 77 consecutive patients (81 elbows) who underwent arthroscopic debridement and microfracture, and loose body removal if needed, for advanced capitellar osteochondritis dissecans. Seventy-one patients (75 elbows) with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. The mean age was 16 years (SD, ±3.3 years; range, 11-26 years) and the mean follow-up length was 3.5 years (SD, ±1.9 years; range, 1-8.2 years). Based on CT and/or MRI results, 71 lesions were classified as unstable and 4 as stable. Clinical elbow outcome (pain, function, and social-psychological effect) was assessed using the Oxford Elbow Score (OES) at final follow-up (OES range, 0-48). Range of motion and return to sports were recorded. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of postoperative OES.

RESULTS

Intraoperatively, there were 3 grade 1 lesions, 2 grade 2 lesions, 10 grade 3 lesions, 1 grade 4 lesion, and 59 grade 5 lesions. The mean postoperative OES was 40.8 (SD, ±8.0). An open capitellar physis was a predictor of better elbow outcome (5.8-point increase; P = .025), as well as loose body removal/grade 4-5 lesions (6.9-point increase; P = .0020) and shorter duration of preoperative symptoms (1.4-point increase per year; P = .029). Flexion slightly improved from 134° to 139° ( P < .001); extension deficit slightly improved from 8° to 3° ( P < .001). Pronation ( P = .47) and supination did not improve ( P = .065). Thirty-seven patients (55%) returned to their primary sport at the same level, and 5 patients (7%) returned to a lower level. Seventeen patients (25%) did not return to sport due to elbow-related symptoms, and 10 patients (13%) did not return due to non-elbow-related reasons. No complications were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic debridement and microfracture for advanced capitellar osteochondritis dissecans provide good clinical results, especially in patients with open growth plate, loose body removal, and shorter duration of symptoms. However, only 62% of patients in this study returned to sports.

Return to Play After Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation of the Capitellum: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To determine the rate of return to play and to identify lesion or osteochondral graft characteristics that may influence the return to competitive athletics after osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) for symptomatic osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A duplicate search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases was performed, beginning from the database inception dates through July 2016, for all articles evaluating the return to play after OAT for OCD lesions of the capitellum. A methodological quality assessment was completed for all included studies. Patient demographics, osteochondral lesion and graft characteristics, the number of patients, and timing of return to competitive activity were collected and evaluated. Association between graft size/number, the time to osseous healing, and return to sport was evaluated.

RESULTS

Seven articles met the inclusion criteria. All included studies were case series of moderate quality with a mean Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies score of 12/16. Overall, 94% (119/126) of patients undergoing OAT for OCD lesions of the capitellum successfully returned to competitive sports. The mean reported time for unrestricted return to athletic competition after OAT was 5.6 months (range, 3-14 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Current best evidence suggests that OAT is successful in treating advanced OCD lesions of the capitellum and returning athletes to high-level competition. Evidence supporting the association between the size and number of grafts used and the time to osseous healing and return to sport is currently limited. Our assessment of the time to return to athletic competition was limited because of variable surgical technique, postoperative rehabilitation protocols, and outcome assessment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.

A novel iterative mixed model to remap three complex orthopedic traits in dogs

Hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED), and rupture of the cranial (anterior) cruciate ligament (RCCL) are the most common complex orthopedic traits of dogs and all result in debilitating osteoarthritis. We reanalyzed previously reported data: the Norberg angle (a quantitative measure of HD) in 921 dogs, ED in 113 cases and 633 controls, and RCCL in 271 cases and 399 controls and their genotypes at ~185,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms. A novel fixed and random model with a circulating probability unification (FarmCPU) function, with marker-based principal components and a kinship matrix to correct for population stratification, was used. A Bonferroni correction at p<0.01 resulted in a P< 6.96 ×10-8. Six loci were identified; three for HD and three for RCCL. An associated locus at CFA28:34,369,342 for HD was described previously in the same dogs using a conventional mixed model. No loci were identified for RCCL in the previous report but the two loci for ED in the previous report did not reach genome-wide significance using the FarmCPU model. These results were supported by simulation which demonstrated that the FarmCPU held no power advantage over the linear mixed model for the ED sample but provided additional power for the HD and RCCL samples. Candidate genes for HD and RCCL are discussed. When using FarmCPU software, we recommend a resampling test, that a positive control be used to determine the optimum pseudo quantitative trait nucleotide-based covariate structure of the model, and a negative control be used consisting of permutation testing and the identical resampling test as for the non-permuted phenotypes.

Elbow Brace Promotes Postoperative Rehabilitation of Osteochondral Graft in Young Athletes with Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Capitellum

Objective

Treatment of large advanced osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow in young athletes is challenging.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the results in 9 baseball players (mean age, 13.7 years; range, 12-15 years) who were followed up for a mean 21.1 months (range, 12-36 months) after osteochondral autograft. In this operation, cylindrical osteochondral plugs were harvested from a lateral femoral condyle and transferred to the lesion in humeral capitellum. After immobilizing the elbow by a splint for 2 weeks, the patients were encouraged to do range of motion exercises using an elbow brace with a hinge for 2 months. The elbow brace was applied to avoid excess stress to the implants on the capitellum and to the lateral collateral ligament. Patients were clinically assessed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association elbow score (JOA score) and morphologically by radiographs as well as by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

Patients started playing catch at 3 months and returned to baseball at competitive level at around 6 months postoperatively. The average JOA score was 68.0 points before operation and improved to 98.7 points at follow-up. Bony fusion between the implants and host bone was observed radiographically at 3 months. MRI confirmed a durable load-bearing articular surface of the capitellum at 1 year.

Conclusions

Osteochondral autograft with postoperative rehabilitation using an elbow brace is a reasonable treatment for young athletes with an advanced lesion of OCD of the elbow who desire a relatively quick return to their pre-injury sports activity level.