Varus Stress Test and Percutaneous Fixation of the Lateral Condyle Fracture of the Humerus in Children

Kim, Sung Soo; Lee, Sang Ki

Abstract

PURPOSE: The current study is planned to evaluate varus stress test and a result of percutaneous K-wire fixation in the minimally displaced lateral condyle fracture of humerus in children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We have analyzed seven patients of Jakob stage I or II lateral condylar fracture of the humerus clinically and radiologically who were managed with closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation from July 1996 to June 1999. Their ages at the time of injury ranged 2.5 to 11.7 years (average 6.3 years). We checked varus stress view for evaluating fracture stability and treatment plan.
RESULTS
The patients were followed up for average 13 months postoperatively and showed no differences in carrying angle, range of motion and physical activity compared with contralateral elbow. K-wires were removed average 6 weeks postoperatively. The fractures were united at average 5.9 weeks (5-9 weeks). There were minor complications ; one case of bony overgrowth, three cases of bony spur and one case of pin site infection. The treatment results according to Hardacre's assessment were excellent in all cases.
CONCLUSION
Varus stress view is necessary to evaluate the fracture stability and to make treatment plan in minimally displaced lateral condyle fracture, and closed reduction followed by percutaneous K-wire fixation can be used successfully in the cases of unstable Jakob stage I and reducible Jakob stage II.