Fracture-separation of the distal humeral epiphysis in children / 영남의대학술지

ABSTRACT

We have reviewed seven cases of fracture-separation of the distal humeral epiphysis, one of which was initially misdiagnosed as a fracture of the lateral condyle. There were difficulties in making the diagnosis. The injury must be distinguished from an elbow dislocation and a fracture of the lateral humeral condyle. All seven patients revealed posteromedial displacement of the distal humeral epiphysis on initial x-rays. Three patients were treated by closed reduction and cast immobilization, and four patients by open reduction and internal fixation. All three patients with conservative treatment had slight cubitus varus (under 5 degrees). Two patients with operative treatment had significant deformities of the elbow, one 25 degrees of valgus and one 20 degrees of varus. In treatment of these injuries, accurate evaluation of the state of reduction is most important. We got acceptable results with a conservative treatment.