Lateral Humeral Condyle Fracture in Children

Classification and treatment of lateral humeral condyle fracture in children is a matter of controversy. We report the results of treatment in 26 cases along with a comprehensive literature review. Medical records and radiographs of 26 children (8 girls, 18 boys) who had been treated for lateral humeral condyle fracture over 20 year period were reviewed. The cases had a mean age of 4.5 years (1.9-8 years). The patients were evaluated for elbow range of motion, deformity, neurological deficit, and avascular necrosis with an average follow-up of 6 (3-20) years. From the 26 cases, 17 patients had less than 2 millimeters displacement, and had been treated non-operatively; 8 patients with displaced fracture had received internal fixation. One case that presented late and had ulnar nerve symptom with fracture non-union, underwent only anterior transposition of the nerve. The cases had all full range of motion, with no avascular necrosis. The one non-union case had a carrying angle of 26 degrees. Lateral humeral condyle fracture in children requires surgical treatment more than most other pediatric fractures. Initial displacement of over 2 millimeters or any later displacement in the early post fracture period would require surgical intervention.