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Osteochondritis dissecans prevalent among adolescent baseball players with certain risk factors
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Osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum occurred among adolescent baseball players who began playing at earlier ages, had played for longer periods and experienced more elbow pain, according to study results.
Researchers enrolled 2,433 junior high and high school baseball players in a cross-sectional, case control study, during which players completed a questionnaire and the researchers assessed the elbow of each player’s throwing arm by ultrasonography.
The researchers further examined those with abnormal ultrasonography results through radiographic study, and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions were classified based on radiographic results. Demographic data were compared between players with and without OCD lesions.
Ultrasonography revealed OCD of the humeral capitellum in 3.4% of elbows. Compared with players without a lesion, players with a lesion began playing baseball at an earlier age, had a longer duration of competitive play, and had experienced more present and past elbow pain, according to the researchers.
The researchers found no differences between the two groups in terms of the position played. Of the 68 patients who underwent further radiographic examination for OCD, 14.7% were classified as having stage I OCD, 38.2% stage II, 13.2% stage III, 13.2% stage IV and 23.5% stage V.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
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