Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow: A Review of Presentation, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a relatively rare disorder affecting subchondral bone and overlying cartilage. It often affects skeletally immature children and adolescents who are involved in activities that involve repetitive overhead movements or axial compression through the elbow. While most OCD lesions occur in the knee, they can also impact the elbow, particularly the capitellum of the distal humerus. The etiology of capitellar OCD is multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, poor vascularization, and trauma. Early diagnosis, often with CT and MRI, is critical for proper staging and subsequent treatment, which generally ranges from conservative management for stable lesions to surgical intervention for unstable lesions. This article provides a comprehensive review of the anatomy, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and complications of capitellar OCD lesions.