Im Fokus: Osteochondrosis dissecans am Capitulum humeri - Wenn Belastung zum Bruch wird
Ambrus CV, Reißig J (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
DOI: 10.1007/s00142-026-00853-y
Abstract
Osteochondrosis dissecans (OD) is defined as an idiopathic lesion of the subchondral bone which, depending on the stage, may be accompanied by subsequent detachment of the articular cartilage. In advanced lesions, where this separation between the subchondral lamina and the hyaline articular cartilage has already occurred, the affected area may detach as an OD fragment. This can lead to joint locking, secondary cartilage damage caused by the pressure of the loose joint fragment and in the long term to secondary osteoarthritis of the elbow. In earlier stages, where such separation has not yet occurred and no subchondral cysts are present as well as in age-stratified groups, good healing rates are observed without the need for surgical intervention. Once the point of no return has been reached, several surgical options can be considered depending on the location and extent of the defect. Fragment fixation via arthroscopy (rarely: mini-open surgery) and regenerative cartilage replacement techniques yield good results in these cases. The osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS) procedure is a useful option for surgical treatment, particularly regarding the involvement of the subchondral bone. In order to select the appropriate treatment tailored to the individual patient or defect, it is important to take the size of the fragment, the extent of the defect and the location itself into account. In summary, the combination of a thorough medical history, targeted clinical examination and staging-appropriate imaging enables a differentiated assessment of OD of the capitulum of the humerus. In particular, the assessment of lesion stability is of crucial prognostic and therapeutic importance as it substantially influences the decision between conservative and surgical management.
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Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Ambrus, C.V., & Reißig, J. (2026). Im Fokus: Osteochondrosis dissecans am Capitulum humeri - Wenn Belastung zum Bruch wird. Arthroskopie. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00142-026-00853-y
MLA:
Ambrus, Carina Victoria, and Julian Reißig. "Im Fokus: Osteochondrosis dissecans am Capitulum humeri - Wenn Belastung zum Bruch wird." Arthroskopie (2026).
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