Bare medial epicondyle physeal fracture of the humerus: A case report

Abstract

We identified an unusual case of the medial epiondyle physeal fracture, which has been caused by a direct blow, accompanied with complete stripping of soft tissue. Surgery was performed for open reduction and internal fixation of the medial epicondyle and reattachment of the anterior oblique bundle of medial collateral ligament and flexor muscle origin. Six months after the surgery, strength of wrist flexion and forearm pronation, range of motion and valgus stability of the left elbow had recovered. One year after the injury, radiographs showed atrophy and sclerosis of the medial epicondylar apophysis. In this type of injury, revascularization of medial epicondyle fracture is not essential for recovery of elbow function when reattachment of the medial collateral ligament and flexor-pronator muscle origin to the distal medial humerus successfully restores stability of the elbow joint.