Osteochondral flap fracture of the coronoid in pediatric humeral lateral condyle

Abstract

Rationale:Osteochondral flap fractures of the elbow are rare in children. To the best of our knowledge, only 12 cases are reported in the literature. Only 1 case was accompanied with lateral condyle fracture classified as Milch I, which was nondisplaced. The mechanism of these injuries is not explained in detail, and the treatment methods are not discussed. Here, we present 3 cases of osteochondral flap fracture of the ulnar coronoid process with accompanying obvious displacement of the lateral condyle fracture.Patient concerns:All patients fell into one of their outstretched arms, which caused elbow pain and functional limitation.Diagnosis:All 3 patients were diagnosed with lateral condyle fracture of the humerus and osteochondral flap fracture of the ulnar coronoid process.Interventions:All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation.Outcomes:At 3 months after the operation, they regained full range of motion of the limb and had no elbow instability.Lessons:Osteochondral flap fracture should be considered when there is a bone mass in the elbow space with accompanying displacement of the humeral lateral condyle fracture.