Fact-sheet: Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum
Updated on 09/01/2022 at 5:07 PM
View all RADEOS cases associated with this fact-sheet
Definition
Probably of microtraumatic origin.
Favored by sports involving valgus stress and compression of the lateral compartment.
Predisposing factor: hypovascularization of the capitellum
Clinical features
Adolescents and young adults
Predominantly male
Asymptomatic or pain in the lateral compartment of the elbow, limited range of motion
Radiography
Normal
Effusion
Flattening of the articular surface of the capitellum
Subchondral bone rarefaction, sclerosis, and fragmentation
Bone fragments in the olecranon fossa
Ultrasound
Flattening of the subchondral bone
Subchondral bone fragments and fragments in the olecranon fossa
CT
Focal hypodense area
+/- adjacent geode-like changes
MRI
Osteochondral fragment: intermediate T1 and T2 signal
T2 hyperintense rim
Adjacent geode-like lesions
Peripheral enhancement of the fragment