OSTEOCHONDRAL LESIONS IN THE RADIOCAPITELLAR JOINT IN THE SKELETALLY IMMATURE - RADIOGRAPHIC, MRI, AND ARTHROSCOPIC FINDINGS IN 13 CONSECUTIVE CASES

Radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and arthroscopy were pe rformed in 13 consecutive cases of osteochondral lesions of the radioc apitellar joint in 12 patients aged 11-16 years. Nine patients had a h igh activity level, and two patients had a significant trauma before t he onset of symptoms. Symptoms were limited range of motion, pain, and catchings or lockings. Clinical findings were decreased range of moti on and lateral elbow tenderness. Radiography revealed loose body, flat tening of the humeral capitellum, or subchondral cysts (or a combinati on of these) in all cases but three. There was a good correlation betw een MRI and arthroscopic examination. Nine lesions were located in the humeral capitellum, one lesion in the radial head, and in three cases , lesions were found in both sites. Loose-body removal, shaving, or su bchondral drilling (or a combination of these) was performed in 11 cas es. All surgically treated patients improved in the short run. Awarene ss of the typical clinical and radiologic picture will allow identific ation of the cases suitable for arthroscopy and surgical treatment. In these cases, MRI can be omitted.