J Korean Fract Soc.  1999 Apr;12(2):365-371.

Fracture-Separation of the Distal Humeral Epiphysis in Young Children

• Cho HO
• Kwak KD
• Kim BY
• Sohn SM
• Oh PW

Abstract

We have reviewed seven cases of fracture-separation of the distal humeral epiphysis, two of which were initially misdiagnosed as a fracture of the lateral condyle and one as a fracture of the supracondyle. The four cases were treated by closed reduction and cast immobilization, and three cases by open reduction and internal fixation. The one case with conservative treatment had cubitus varus, other were good result. To distinguish the fracture-separation from a fracture of lat. condyle and from a dislocated elbow is impossible using clinical signs alone. For reducing misdiagnosis, it is important to consider age and there could be need further evaluation such as arthrogram, USG, CT and MRI.

Keyword

Distal Humeral Epiphysis; Fracture-Separation

MeSH Terms

Child*
Diagnostic Errors
Elbow
Epiphyses*
Humans
Immobilization
Magnetic Resonance Imaging