Medial condyle fractures of the humerus in children.

Abstract

A retrospective study of 21 medial condylar fractures revealed that the complication rate for these rare fractures was 33%. Most of the minimally displaced fractures healed uneventfully with immobilization; however, one patient developed avascular necrosis of the trochlea, and one patient developed a nonunion. Operative treatment was performed if there was >2 mm of displacement at the fracture site. Two of three fracture-dislocations lost reduction in the early postoperative period, requiring revision with more stable fixation. Medial condylar fractures may be difficult to diagnose in younger children and should be considered when there is a history of trauma and medial-sided elbow pain. Oblique views, arthrography, or magnetic resonance imaging can be helpful in confirming the diagnosis. Management of this rare fracture must include adequate stabilization of the fracture and immobilization until there is radiographic evidence of healing.