Complications of Lateral Humeral Condyle Fractures in Children

Lateral humeral condyle fractures in children are easily missed and often associated with complications. These complications include malunion, delayed union or nonunion, lateral spur formation, fishtail deformity and growth disturbances. There is also controversy related to best treatment options including closed vs open reduction and K-wire vs screw fixation. Though some complications like malunion are avoidable, others like lateral spur formation are inevitable. Knowledge about these complications would help in counseling patients and their families. The purpose of this article was to review common complications related to these fractures and suggest tips to avoid some of them. Keywords: Paediatric, Lateral condyle fracture, Internal oblique X-ray, Arthrogram, Anatomical reduction, Complications, Tips to overcome

Biodegradable pins for lateral condylar fracture of the humerus with an early delayed presentation in children: a retrospective study of biodegradable pin vs. Kirschner wire

Background The clinical outcome of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for delayed lateral condylar fracture of the humerus (LCFH) varies in different studies, but ORIF for LCFH with an early-delayed presentation usually resulted in significant improvement of elbow function. Early delayed presentation is defined as a period of 3 to 12 weeks from the injury. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of biodegradable pin (BP) vs. Kirschner wire (KW) in the treatment of LCFH with an early delayed presentation. Methods LCFH with an early-delayed presentation treated with KW or BP were retrospectively reviewed in our hospital. The patients were divided into two groups KW (n = 17) and BP group (n = 26). Baseline information, including sex, age, operative side, duration from injury to surgery, and implant choice, was reviewed. Radiographs and medical records were collected from the Hospital Database. Results In all, 17 patients (male/female, 9/8) in KW and 26 patients (male/female,13/13) in the BP group were included. The age showed no statistically significant difference between the KW (52.3 ± 10.2, month) and the BP (56.1 ± 10.7, month), (P = 0.258). At the last follow-up, there existed no statistically significant difference between the two groups concerning Baumann’s angle (P = 0.272) and carrying angle (P = 0.911). The MEPS at the last follow-up was better in the KW group (91.1 ± 2.7) than the BP group (89.2 ± 3.0), (P = 0.048). There was no case of nonunion or malunion in both groups. The incidence of fishtail deformity was (8/17, 47.1%) in KW and (13/26, 50%) in the BP group. The incidence of lateral prominence was (5/17, 29.4%) in the KW and (7/26, 26.9%) in the BP group. Furthermore, the incidence of implant prominence was higher in KW (12/17, 70.6%) than BP (0) (P < 0.001). Conclusion Open reduction and internal fixation for LCFH with an early-delayed presentation produced satisfactory outcomes. Biodegradable pin is a good alternative to Kirschner wire, with comparable clinical outcomes.

Closed-Wedge Osteotomy of the Distal Humerus for Treating Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum in Young Patients

Background: Even in patients with an open capitellar physis, nonsurgical treatment for advanced-stage osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum often yields poor outcomes. However, surgical methods for such patients are controversial. At our institution, we have consistently performed closed-wedge osteotomy of the distal humerus to treat advanced-stage OCD of the capitellum, regardless of the OCD grade or condition of the capitellar physis. Purpose: To clarify the clinical and radiological results and determine the influence of the capitellar physis on closed-wedge osteotomy for advanced-stage OCD of the capitellum in young patients. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 32 patients with OCD of the humeral capitellum were treated surgically with closed-wedge osteotomy. Of these, 17 patients with more than 2-year follow-up were available for an evaluation. The mean patient age was 11.8 years (range, 11-12 years), and the mean follow-up period was 70.1 months (range, 25-184 months). The clinical assessment included range of motion, elbow pain, and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and Timmerman-Andrews scores. The radiological assessment at the final examination included cross-bridging of the physis, size and fishtail deformity of the distal part of the humerus, size of the radial head, healing of the OCD lesion, and osteoarthritis. Results: The mean range of motion and JOA and Timmerman-Andrews scores improved significantly after surgery; 13 patients were completely pain free. In 11 patients with an open capitellar physis, metaphyseal-epiphyseal, cross-bridging was observed in 1 patient. A fishtail deformity of the distal part of the humerus was not observed. Healing of the OCD lesion was defined as excellent in 9 patients, good in 3, fair in 3, and poor in 2. In 3 of the 5 patients in whom healing was described as fair or poor, there was a lesion of the lateral widespread type with osteoarthritis before surgery. Moderate osteoarthritic changes were evident in 2 patients. Conclusion: Closed-wedge osteotomy for the treatment of advanced-stage OCD of the capitellum in young patients can provide satisfactory clinical and radiological results. However, fair and poor outcomes were found in lateral widespread–type cases with osteoarthritis before surgery. We believe that patients in whom osteoarthritic changes have not yet appeared are eligible for closed-wedge osteotomy.

Medial Condyle Fracture (Kilfoyle Type III) of the Distal Humerus with Transient Fishtail Deformity after Surgery

A “Fishtail deformity” is one of the well-known complications following pediatric lateral condyle or supracondylar fractures of the humerus. We herein report a case of medial condyle fracture (Kilfoyle type III) in an 11-year-old boy. He had a transient “fishtail deformity” of the trochlear groove after open reduction and internal fixation. As occurred in the current case, the bone remodeling and the improvement of ischemia of the trochlea after medial condyle fracture may be associated with the likelihood of recovery from transient “fishtail deformity.”