[Arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of elbow joint in adolescent].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of arthroscopy in diagnosis and treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of elbow joint in adolescent.

METHODS

From May 2003 to February 2006, 11 patients with osteochondritis dissecans of elbow joint were diagnosed and treated with arthroscopy. There were 6 males and 5 females, aging from 13 to 19 years. The left joints were involved in 4 cases and right joints in 7 cases. Seven patients had obvious history of injury. The interval of injury and operation was from 7 months to 12 years. The score of VAS was 80 +/- 10, the range of flexion and extend of joint 80 +/- 10 degrees, the range of rotation of joint 100 +/- 5 degrees preoperatively. The brachial plexus anesthesia, the elbow hung to traction, soft spot, interna and extra-pathway were given to explore and debride elbow joint and remove corpus liberum.

RESULTS

All patients recovered daily life and work 7 to 12 days postoperatively. There were no complications of blood vessel and nerve injuries. Eleven cases were followed up for 6 to 18 months (mean 12.5 months). The results were excellent in 7 and good in 4 according to HSS scoring system. At the final follow-up, the score of VAS was 32 +/- 15, showing statistically significant difference when compared with pre-operation (P < 0.05). The range of flexion and extend of joint was 110 +/- 10 degrees, the range of rotation of joint was 120 +/- 5 degrees post-operatively, showing statistically significant differences when compared with pre-operation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The elbow arthroscopy might be a reliable method to diagnose and treat osteochondritis dissecans of elbow joint in adolescent with minor trauma, quick recovery, significant improving function and less complications.