Osteochondral autograft transplantation for osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum in nonthrowing athletes

Abstract

In this report, we present the cases of 3 nonthrowing athletes with osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum. Preoperatively, they complained of elbow pain during rhythmic gymnastics, table tennis, and basketball, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a completely separated osteochondral fragment or a full-thickness cartilage defect. All 3 patients were treated with transplantation of an osteochondral autograft harvested from the lateral femoral condyle. They returned fully to their sports activities within 6 months of surgery. The continuity of the cartilage layer between the osteochondral graft and the capitellum was shown on magnetic resonance images taken at 12 months postoperatively. We believe that osteochondral autograft transplantation provides successful results for nonthrowing athletes with end-stage osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum.