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.