ICL 205: Elbow Arthritis in the Young Athlete-Panel Discussion

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The discussion focuses on pediatric and adolescent elbow injuries, particularly osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and medial epicondyle avulsions in young athletes like gymnasts and baseball pitchers. Key points include the challenges of treating non-contained OCD lesions, with microfracture often favored over immediate osteochondral autograft transplantation (OATS). The difficulty in enforcing rest on young athletes and the long-term risk of arthritis are emphasized. Radial head resection is presented as a salvage option for severe cases with good short-term outcomes, though long-term risks exist. Medial epicondyle nonunions and UCL injuries are discussed, with early fixation preferred; reconstruction is advised if fragments are excised. Treatment decisions often depend on lesion size, symptoms, and activity level, balancing early surgical intervention versus conservative management. Long-term studies on procedures like mosaicplasty are lacking, complicating definitive recommendations. Overall, individualized care and realistic expectations are crucial for managing these complex elbow conditions in young athletes.

Keywords

pediatric elbow injuries

osteochondritis dissecans

medial epicondyle avulsions

microfracture treatment

radial head resection

UCL injuries