Magnetic resonance imaging after arthroscopic microfracture of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans.

BACKGROUND

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum affects young athletes involved in elbow load-bearing activities. Unstable lesions are best managed surgically, although debate remains regarding the optimal method. Arthroscopic treatment allows rapid recovery, but the effect on the articular surface is undetermined.

HYPOTHESIS

The clinical outcome after arthroscopic microfracture of stage III/IV capitellum OCD would be successful in terms of return to sport and restoration of function, and there would be some evidence of articular restoration or repair.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

We reviewed records of 10 consecutive adolescent patients (age ≤18 years) with stage III or IV OCD lesions of the capitellum managed with arthroscopic microfracture. The mean age at the time of surgery was 13.9 years (range, 10.8-18.5 years); 7 patients were skeletally immature and 3 were skeletally mature. Pre- and postoperative functional assessment included active range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and Timmerman/Andrews elbow score. All patients underwent plain radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation at a minimum of 12 months (mean, 27 months; range, 12-49 months) and clinical evaluation at a minimum of 24 months (mean, 42 months; range, 27-54 months) after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean range of motion improved in both flexion (135.8°→140.7°, P = .112) and extension (20.4°→-2.2°, P = .005). The mean MEPS (70.5→97, P = .007) and Timmerman/Andrews elbow scores (116.4→193.0, P = .008) improved significantly. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation demonstrated an improvement in overall joint congruence and the formation of a reparative articular surface in 8 of 10 (80%) patients. No reoperations or major complications were encountered. Six of 8 patients involved in competitive athletics returned to the same level of participation at an average of 5.1 months.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic OCD fragment excision and capitellar microfracture demonstrates good to excellent functional results in short-term follow-up. Follow-up MRI suggests potential for a reparative fibrocartilaginous articular surface. Longer term follow-up is necessary to determine durability of the technique.