Operative Tleatment of the Lateral Condyle Fractures of the Humerus in Children

Lee, Bum Gu; Moon, Do Heun; Ko, Jin Hong; Lee, Su Chan; Park, Hong Ki; Kang, Ki Dong; Kim, Young

Abstract

Fracture of the lateral humeral condyle is a relatively common injury in children. The standard treatment of Jakobs type II and III fractures is open reduction and internal fixation The treatment of Jakobs type I fractures is more controversial. Authors performed clinical and radiological analysed of fifty-two patients of lateral condylar fracture of the humerus who have been treated with open reduction and internal fixation. They were followed up from one year to five years and two months. The results were as follows; 1. The age incidence was confined from 3 years to 12 years. 2. There were 14 cases(26.9%) of Milch type I, 38 cases(73.8%) of Milch type II and according to Jakobs stage, 20 cases were stage I, 23 cases were stage II, 9 cases were stage III. 3. All cases were treated by open reduction and Internal fixation. 4. In 5 cases were lateral condyle overgrowth of the humerus, 2 cases were limited ROM of elbow joint. and 2 cases pin site loosening and superficial wound infections observed. And this complications did not resutt in significant clinical disabilites. 5. Respectively, according to the criteria of Hardacre 41 cases(78.8%) were excellent, 11 cases (21.1%) were good, and there was no poor case. 6. The fracture type and stage of displacement did not effect the flnal results. the complications, the complications are due to inaccurate reduction or insecure fixation. Therefore, open anatomical reduction and stable internal fixation is required to avoid complications, even in stage I displaced fractures.