Arthroscopic technique for fragment fixation using absorbable pins for osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum: a report of 4 cases.

Abstract

This is the first report to describe a method of arthroscopic osteochondral fixation using absorbable pins to treat osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum. Four adolescent baseball players with OCD of the capitellum were treated, and good short-term results were obtained. During this arthroscopic procedure, the elbow was maintained in the maximum flexed position, and posterolateral portals were used to visualize the lesion, perform drilling, and insert the pins. This procedure is less invasive and easier to perform than other fixation procedures that require harvesting or production of autologous bone pegs. This is an effective method of fragment fixation with absorbable pins.