Prevalence Of Osteochondritis Dissecans Of The Capitellum In Young Baseball Players Based On Ultrasonographic Findings

OBJECTIVES: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is a well-recognized cause of elbow pain and disability in adolescent athletes. However, little is known about the prevalence of OCD in adolescent baseball players. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of OCD in baseball players aged 10-12 years based on ultrasonographic findings and to investigate the clinical characteristics of those with OCD lesions. METHODS: A total of 1,040 players aged 10-12 years completed a questionnaire, ultrasound imaging, and radiographic examination to investigate OCD. Sonographic findings were classified into 5 grades (0, 1a, 1b, 2, and 3). Sonographic findings were graded as follows: grade 0, normal; grade 1a, irregular surface of subchondral bone; grade 1b, a cystic lesion of the subchondral bone surface; grade 2, irregularity of the subchondral bone; and grade 3, discontinuity of the subchondral bone. Subjects with grade 1a, 1b, 2, or 3 were considered to have abnormal findings of the capitellum and were advised to undergo radiography. Radiographic and ultrasonographic findings were then compared. The prevalence of OCD was calculated and differences by age and player position were determined. RESULTS: Of the 1,040 players, 33 (3.2%) had an abnormal finding on initial ultrasonography screening, and all 33 agreed to undergo radiography. Of them, 22 (66.7%) were found to have OCD of the capitellum on radiographs, giving an overall prevalence of 2.1%. Seven subjects (31.8%) had no history of elbow pain. Based on our radiographic classification, 20 subjects (90.9%) had stage I lesions (radiolucent area). Analysis of OCD by age and player position revealed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of OCD of the capitellum was 2.1% in 1,000 baseball players aged 10-12 years, with no differences in prevalence according to age or player position.