Abstract
The purpose of this study was to devise radiographic indications for treatment for epiphyseal lesion of the olecranon in baseball players. Eleven players diagnosed as this lesion between 1995 and 2002 were retrospectively evaluated. The mean age at first presentation was 14.2 years (range, 12 to 16 years). The lesion was classified into 3 types, based on radiographic appearances; unclear margin in type I, clear margin in type II, and sclerotic change in type III. Of the 11 lesions, 3 were type I, 4 type II, and 4 type III. Conservative therapy was performed at least 3 months on all the subjects. Conservative management produced healing in all type I lesions, 75% of type II and none of type III. All type III lesions and 25% of type II were required operation including bone graft with tension band wiring. These findings suggest the radiographic findings of this lesion are an essential indicator of treatment.
