Lateral Condyle Fractures In Children Research Articles

Lateral Humeral Condyle Fractures in Children

The treatment of lateral condyle fractures in children remains controversial. This study investigates whether minimally displaced lateral condyle fractures should be treated surgically and compares different techniques of operative management. The authors retrospectively reviewed medical charts and radiographs of 97 children from two international centers whose therapeutic modalities differed, noting demographic data, fracture features, treatment modalities, complications, and clinical and radiographic results. Long-arm immobilization alone resulted in additional fracture displacement and a higher number of nonunions than did surgical management. The authors conclude that displaced fractures should be fixed surgically with two smooth or threaded Kirschner wires; they can pass through the ossific nucleus of the capitellum if necessary, but they must engage the far cortex. If patients are likely to be noncompliant with treatment, the wires should be buried under the skin to avoid the risk of infection, but this procedure necessitates a second surgery for removal of fixation.

Lateral Humeral Condyle Fractures in Children

The treatment of lateral condyle fractures in children remains controversial. This study investigates whether minimally displaced lateral condyle fractures should be treated surgically and compares different techniques of operative management. The authors retrospectively reviewed medical charts and radiographs of 97 children from two international centers whose therapeutic modalities differed, noting demographic data, fracture features, treatment modalities, complications, and clinical and radiographic results. Long-arm immobilization alone resulted in additional fracture displacement and a higher number of nonunions than did surgical management. The authors conclude that displaced fractures should be fixed surgically with two smooth or threaded Kirschner wires; they can pass through the ossific nucleus of the capitellum if necessary, but they must engage the far cortex. If patients are likely to be noncompliant with treatment, the wires should be buried under the skin to avoid the risk of infection, but this procedure necessitates a second surgery for removal of fixation.

Posteromedial Dislocation of the Elbow With Lateral Condyle Fracture in Children

Posteromedial dislocation of the elbow in children is an extremely rare injury. The current study describes four boys with posteromedial dislocation of the elbow associated with a displaced fracture of the lateral humeral condyle. The patients ranged in age from 6 to 12 years (average age, 9 years 6 months). Closed reduction of the elbow dislocation and open reduction of the lateral humeral condyle fracture with fixation by Kirschner wires by a lateral approach was done in each patient. This was followed by 4 weeks immobilization wearing a long-arm cast. There were three excellent results and one good result. Healing and return of normal function occurred in all but one patient who had minor loss of full extension. Average duration of followup was 7 years 6 months (range, 3-13 years). Dislocation of the elbow associated with a displaced fracture of the lateral humeral condyle can be treated by closed reduction of the elbow dislocation and open anatomic reduction and fixation of the lateral condyle fracture with good results.