Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Shoulder: A Narrative Review of the Current Literature

Abstract

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) primarily affect the ankle and knee joints, but its occurrence in the shoulder is rare. This condition can lead to long-term complications and early osteoarthritis, especially in young athletes, potentially jeopardizing their professional careers. To aid in early diagnosis, advanced imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used. However, due to the rarity of this condition, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment approach. In an effort to provide a concise and up-to-date review of this rare condition, we conducted a detailed search on OCD of the shoulder using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We utilized keywords such as “osteochondritis dissecans,” “shoulder,” and “humeral head.” Despite our search, we found limited literature available on this condition. The etiology of osteochondritis dissecans of the shoulder is multifactorial, and its diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and imaging studies, particularly MRI. The MRI provides detailed information about the lesion, articular cartilage, and subchondral bone, aiding in accurate diagnosis. Treatment options for OCD of the shoulder encompass conservative management, biological interventions, and surgical approaches to alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes.