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Open Access 03-01-2024 | Arthroscopy | Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine

Accessibility of osteochondral lesion at the capitellum during elbow arthroscopy: an anatomical study

Authors: S. Wegmann, M. Hackl, F. Krane, K. Wegmann, L.-P. Mueller, T. Leschinger

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 3/2024

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Abstract

Introduction

Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) at the capitellum is a common pathology in young patients. Although arthroscopic interventions are commonly used, there is a lack of information about the accessibility of the defects during elbow arthroscopy by using standard portals.

Materials and methods

An elbow arthroscopy using the standard portals was performed in seven fresh frozen specimens. At the capitellum, the most posterior and anterior cartilage surface reachable was marked with K-wires. Using a newly described measuring method, we constructed a circular sector around the rotational center of the capitellum. The intersection of K-wire “A” and “B” with the circular sector was marked, and the angles between the K-wires and the Rogers line, alpha angle for K-Wire “A” and beta angle for K-wire “B”, and the corridor not accessible during arthroscopy was digitally measured.

Results

On average, we found an alpha angle of 53° and a beta angle of 104°. Leaving a sector of 51° which was not accessible via the standard portals during elbow arthroscopy.

Conclusion

Non-accessible capitellar lesions during elbow arthroscopy should be considered preoperatively, and the informed consent discussion should always include the possibility of open procedures or the use of flexible instruments.

Level of Evidence

4.
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Metadata
Title
Accessibility of osteochondral lesion at the capitellum during elbow arthroscopy: an anatomical study
Authors
S. Wegmann
M. Hackl
F. Krane
K. Wegmann
L.-P. Mueller
T. Leschinger
Publication date
03-01-2024
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 3/2024
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-023-05172-7