Arthroscopic treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum.

The results of arthroscopic debridement and loose body retrieval for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum in 29 symptomatic patients who had failed conservative management are described. There were no complications of surgery. At an average of 77 months after operation the majority of patients had mild or no pain but with some discomfort during heavy lifting and sport. All were capable of performing simple activities of daily living, and all but one had good or excellent outcomes and rated their satisfaction highly. Only 4 of 27 patients had to give up their preferred sport because of persistent elbow problems. Thirty-eight percent of patients had recurrence of locking or catching, although these symptoms were described as better than the condition before operation and none wanted further surgical intervention. It is concluded that arthroscopic debridement and removal of loose bodies is a safe and reliable procedure for patients with persistent symptoms from OCD of the capitellum.