Pathomechanical significance of radial head subluxation in the onset of osteochondritis dissecans of the radial head

J Orthop Trauma. 2012 Jan;26(1):e4-6. doi: 10.1097/BOT.0b013e318214d678.

Abstract

Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow mainly involves the capitellum; however, no authors have reported the condition in the radial head with subluxation of the radial head. We report four cases in which osteochondritis dissecans involved the radial head and was accompanied by radial head subluxation. All patients were male and their ages ranged from 11 to 13 years (average, 11.8 years). All lesions were located at the posteromedial aspect of the radial head with anterior subluxation of the radial head. Fragment removal was performed in one case and ulnar osteotomy in two cases; the remaining case was treated conservatively with the prohibition of sports. Three cases had a good outcome, whereas obvious anterior subluxation of the radial head and limitation of elbow flexion remained in the case treated with fragment removal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arthroscopy
  • Child
  • Elbow Joint*
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / complications
  • Joint Dislocations / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Dislocations / physiopathology*
  • Joint Instability / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Instability / etiology
  • Joint Instability / physiopathology*
  • Joint Loose Bodies / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Loose Bodies / etiology
  • Joint Loose Bodies / surgery
  • Male
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / complications
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / physiopathology*
  • Osteotomy
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Radiography
  • Radius / diagnostic imaging
  • Radius / physiopathology*
  • Radius / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ulna / diagnostic imaging
  • Ulna / surgery