Medial epicondyle fractures of the humerus: how to evaluate and when to operate.

Abstract

The fundamental principles of fracture care apply to medial epicondyle fractures in that the goals of treatment are to obtain fracture healing and to promote a return of appropriate motion, strength, and stability. Recent studies have revealed limitations of some classically described evaluation methods and have revealed more precise methods of measuring displacement. The authors of this manuscript describe established principles of care and incorporate recent evidence-based articles to help the clinician study the issues relative to the clinical evaluation and the operative and nonoperative treatment of medial epicondyle fractures.