Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Glenoid in a Major League Baseball Prospect: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2016 Oct-Dec;6(4):e100. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.16.00067.

Abstract

Case: A 16-year-old Major League Baseball prospect presented with persistent shoulder pain associated with throwing. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a large osteochondritis dissecans lesion in the posterosuperior aspect of the glenoid. The patient was restricted from throwing and underwent therapy to improve range of motion and throwing mechanics. Eight months after initiating nonoperative treatment, an MRI arthrogram demonstrated a healed lesion. At follow-up 2 years after treatment, full relief of symptoms had persisted.

Conclusion: Osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the glenoid are extremely rare, but have the potential to heal in overhead-throwing athletes. To our knowledge, this is the only case reported in the literature that demonstrates a healed osteochondritis dissecans lesion of the glenoid following nonoperative treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Baseball / physiology
  • Glenoid Cavity / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / diagnostic imaging*
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / rehabilitation
  • Shoulder Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Shoulder Injuries / rehabilitation