Ultrasound Versus Arthrography in Diagnosing the Stability of Minimally Displaced Lateral Humeral Condyle Fractures in Children
Abstract Background: The evaluation of the articular cartilage status of the distal humeral epiphysis is difficult. Ultrasound of the elbow is increasingly used to confirm the integrity of the articular cartilage of minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures in children in minimally displaced fractures. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between ultrasound with arthrography for predicting the integrity of the cartilage hinge and describe the utility of ultrasound in directing the need for pre-treatment. Methods: 39 patients with minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures and underwent ultrasound and arthrography examinations before operation from May 2018 to December 2019 were included in this study. The ultrasound and arthrography predictors of the cartilage hinge status were independently measured. Result of ultrasound and arthrography were compared.Results: The mean displacement of fractures was 3.1 mm (range, 2.0~5.0 cm). The arthrography showed an incomplete fracture in 24 patients (61.5%) and complete in 15 patients (38.5%). The ultrasound showed an incomplete fracture in 25 patients (64.1%) and complete in 14 patients (35.9%). The ultrasound and arthrography evaluations of the integrity of the articular surface were consistent in 92.3% of the cases, including 23 were predicted to have an intact articular surface, and 13 were predicted to have incongruity articular surface. There was no correlation between displacement and the fracture being complete on ultrasound. The Pearson coefficient value of ultrasound and arthrography for assessing the integrity of the articular surface was 0.837. Conclusions: Ultrasound and arthrography assessments of the integrity of the cartilage hinge status appear to be highly consistent. Ultrasound can be used as a complementary tool with arthrography to predict the integrity of the cartilage hinge status of patients with minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures in children.Level of evidence: Retrospective study; level Ⅳ.