J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2006 Aug;30(4):409-412.

Epiphyseal Fracture-Separation of the Distal Humerus Suspected Brachial Plexus Injury : A case report

• Mok SK
• Lee HY
• Kim JS
• Hong BY
• Kwon JY

Abstract

The epiphyseal fracture-separation of the distal humerus is extremely rare injury in neonates. It is frequently misdiagnosed as a elbow dislocation owing to the invisible cartilagenous portion of the distal humerus in roentgenograms. We described a case, 9-day-old neonate with finally diagnosed the Salter-Harris type 1 injury of the distal humeral epiphysis. He was referred for further evaluation of 'refusal to use the left arm' from a local clinic. The injury had initially misdiagnosed as normal roentgenograms by a locaorthopedic specialist, so we preferentially give an impression of the brachial plexus injury or the hemiplegic cerebral palsy. But electromyography and brain magnetic resonance imaging were negative findings. A neonate was referred to the pediatric orthopedic subspecialist and properly diagnosed. He was treated with the closed reduction and the percutaneous pinning. No complication has occurred.

Keyword

Epiphyseal separation; Brachial plexopathy; Neonate

MeSH Terms

Brachial Plexus Neuropathies
Brachial Plexus*
Brain
Cerebral Palsy
Dislocations
Elbow
Electromyography
Epiphyses
Humans
Humerus*
Infant, Newborn
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Orthopedics
Specialization