Bilateral Hahn–Steinthal fracture: a case report and review of literature

Abstract

Capitellar fractures are rare. If anatomy is not reconstructed accurately, elbow function is sub-optimal. Various studies have shown good outcome in Type I Hahn–Steinthal fractures. There is only one report of a bilateral capitellar fracture in the English literature so far. We report another case of the same. A 26-year-old mother slipped and fell on level ground. She sustained closed injury to both her elbows. Radiographs revealed bilateral, displaced Hahn–Steinthal fracture of the capitellum. She underwent open anatomic reduction and stabilisation with two partially threaded 4 mm cancellous screws, inserted from posterior to anterior. At 2 months, both fractures united. At final follow-up, 19 months post-operatively, she had full range of movement of both elbows. Anatomic reduction, stable internal fixation and early mobilisation of Type I Hahn–Steinthal capitellar fracture achieves excellent results.