The capitellum is the spherical lateral articular surface of the distal humerus that articulates with the radial head, forming the radiohumeral joint. Unlike the trochlea which articulates with the ulna in a hinge arrangement, the capitellum-radial head joint allows both flexion-extension and forearm rotation. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is the primary epiphyseal injury in young throwers and gymnasts.
Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum affects young overhead athletes (gymnasts, baseball pitchers) aged 11 to 17 from repetitive compression of the radial head against the capitellum. It produces lateral elbow pain and clicking from unstable osteochondral fragments. MRI with or without arthrography identifies the lesion and fragment stability. Stable lesions are treated with rest; unstable fragments require arthroscopic removal or fixation. Panner disease is a similar condition in younger children (7 to 12) affecting the entire capitellum epiphysis rather than a focal fragment.
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