Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow: Introduction

Gregory Bain, Simon Maclean

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a clinical condition of the capitellum which occurs most commonly in the adolescent athletes especially in repetitive elbow activities such as gymnasts, pitchers, and swimmers. The lesion is localized to an area of the capitellar subchondral bone plate, which is only a single trabecular layer thick (100 μm). The area involved is supplied by end vessels from the lateral condyle. The subarticular venous plexus consists of parallel veins located in the gutters of the subchondral bone plate. With repeated trauma of throwing, the fracture fails to heal. Obstruction of the venous drainage will lead to localized ischemia, edema of the intraosseous fat, and subsequently a localized compartment syndrome of the bone. Failure of healing of the fragment leads to separation, loose body formation, and finally degenerative osteoarthritis.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSurgical Techniques for Trauma and Sports Related Injuries of the Elbow
EditorsGregory Bain, Denise Eygendaal, Roger P. van Riet
Place of PublicationBerlin
PublisherSpringer
Chapter89
Pages671-676
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9783662589311
ISBN (Print)9783662589304
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Elbow
  • Osteochondritis
  • Pathogenesis
  • Avascular necrosis

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