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Outcome of lateral humeral condylar mass fractures in children associated with elbow dislocation or olecranon fracture

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Abstract

Of 2,502 elbow/humeral injuries treated at our department between 1990 and 2005, we identified a cohort of 20 lateral condylar mass (LCM) fractures of the humerus in children associated with elbow dislocation (n = 12; mean age 8.2 years) or with olecranon fracture (n = 8; mean age 4.1 years). Eight patients with undisplaced fracture pattern were treated conservatively yielding a satisfactory outcome. Good to excellent results were obtained in the majority (85%). Overall, the result was poor in three patients (15%; 25% of the operated cohort) due to terminal 20–30° loss of extension. There was no obvious difference in the outcome between the isolated displaced LCM fractures described in the literature and this cohort. Testing of elbow stability by examination under anaesthesia is stressed. Undisplaced fracture patterns need to be closely observed. Parents should be warned about the likelihood of some degree of unfavourable outcome in the displaced LCM fractures with associated elbow injuries.

Resume

Sur les 2502 cas de traumatismes du coude traités dans notre département entre 1990 et 2005, nous avons identifié une cohorte de 20 fractures du condyle externe (LCM) associées à une luxation du coude (n = 12, moyenne d’âge: 8,2 ans) ou avec une fracture de l’olécrane (n = 8, moyenne d’âge 4,1 ans). 8 patients présentant une fracture non déplacée ont été traités orthopédiquement avec un très bon résultat obtenu dans la majorité des cas (85%). Cependant, les résultats ont été médiocres chez 3 patients (15%; 25%) du fait d’une perte d’extension. Il n’y a pas de différence évolutive entre ces patients présentant une fracture isolée du condyle externe comparés aux patients relevant d’une étude de la littérature. Le groupe de patients avec fractures déplacées doit être averti de la possibilité de résultats moins favorables, notamment s’il existe des lésions associées du coude.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill, Glasgow, G3 8SJ, UK

    H. Sharma, M. Sibinski & D. A. Sherlock

  2. 44 Abercorn Road, Newton Mearns, Glasgow, G77 7NA, UK

    H. Sharma

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  1. H. Sharma
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  2. M. Sibinski
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  3. D. A. Sherlock
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Correspondence to H. Sharma.

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Sharma, H., Sibinski, M. & Sherlock, D.A. Outcome of lateral humeral condylar mass fractures in children associated with elbow dislocation or olecranon fracture. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 33, 509–514 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-007-0463-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-007-0463-1

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