Technique of osteochondral autograft transplantation mosaicplasty for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans

Abstract

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a localized condition affecting an articular surface that involves separation of a segment of cartilage and subchondral bone. It is found primarily in the knee, ankle, and elbow joints. Various theories about its etiology have been proposed, but the exact etiology of OCD still remains obscure. Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow is characterized by pain, swelling, and limitation of motion, usually in adolescence through early adulthood. An uncommon clinical entity, it occurs as a result of overuse injuries, especially throwing activities. The treatment of OCD has evolved from the removal of loose bodies to the resurfacing of defects with an osteochondral autogenous graft (mosaicplasty). Mosaicplasty is a relatively new and viable option for the treatment of advanced OCD of the capitellum. In this article, we describe the technique of mosaicplasty for OCD of the capitellum.