Natural Progression of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Capitellum

Description: PURPOSE: To determine the earliest findings, subsequent changes, and natural course of osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum.
CONCLUSION: The earliest feature of osteochondritis dissecans is subchondral bone flattening, over which new bone subsequently forms. The new bone then can unite with the underlying bone. However, if subjected to repetitive forces over a given time, unstable fragments develop. These fragments, even if not yet displaced, are unable to unite.
Masatoshi Takahara, MD, Toshihiko Ogino, MD, Michiaki Takagi, MD, Hiroyuki Tsuchida, MD, Hiroshi Orui, MD and Toshikazu Nambu, MD Radiology. 2000;216:207-212.