Assessment outcome of lateral condylar fractures of distal humerus in children treated by open reduction and internal fixation

Objective: To assess the results of treatment of lateral condylar fractures of distal humerus in children by open reduction and internal fixation�Methodology: This retrospective study included 21 children with displaced lateral condyle fractures of the humerus who were treated by open reduction and k-wire fixation in Orthopaedic Departments of two hospitals. Demographic data of the patients and results of treatment at a mean follow �up of 16 months were evaluated�Results: Mean age of the patients was 5.2 years (Range-3.8-10y). There were 16 boys and 5 girls. According to the Milch classification, 4 patients had type 1, and 17 patients had type 4 of fracture. Union was achieved in all patients. The mean time of immbolization and k-wire removal was 16 days and 32.5 days respectively. A mean difference of 5� in carrying angle of both elbows was seen in 19 cases p=0.065, that was not significant.Cubitusvarus in one case and lateral condylar prominence with an appearance of pseudo cubitusvarus in 3 cases were observed. Two patients had cubitus valgus. A mean decrease of 12� (5 - 20 degrees) in humeroulnar motion was seen in all patients. The range of supination and pronation of the forearm was equal in both elbows.Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation for displaced lateral condyle fracture of the humerus in children with 2-3 k-wire and 2-3 weeks post operative immobilization was associated with a high rate of union and acceptable functional results