Elbow Osteochondral Defect

The elbow is a complex joint formed by the articulation of three bones –the humerus, radius and ulna. The humerus end has two cartilage-covered parts- the trochlea and the capitellum on the inside and outside of the elbow. The radius and the capitellum touch to absorb some of the pressure transmitted from the wrist. In sports such as gymnastics, baseball and heavy weight lifting sports more pressure is transmitted to the capitellum resulting in bone injury and injury to the cartilage of the capitellum known as an osteochondral defect.