Arthroscopic Technique for Autologous Minced Cartilage Implantation for Focal Lesions of the Capitellum Humeri of the Elbow: A Technical Note.

Focal cartilage defects of the capitellum humeri are frequently underestimated, despite their substantial contribution to elbow pain and functional impairment in young and physically active patients. Arthroscopic autologous minced cartilage implantation is a single-stage biological cartilage repair technique that has shown favorable clinical and imaging outcomes in larger joints. Osteochondral lesions of the capitellum humeri of the elbow, particularly in the setting of osteochondritis dissecans, represent a challenging condition in young and physically active patients. However, detailed descriptions of the arthroscopic surgical technique and its application in the elbow joint remain limited. Therefore, the purpose of this Technical Note is to describe a step-by-step arthroscopic technique for autologous minced cartilage implantation in focal osteochondral lesions of the capitellum humeri. Indications, surgical pearls and pitfalls, and postoperative care are outlined, and the potential advantages of this technique in the treatment of elbow cartilage lesions are discussed.