In Situ Late Metaphyseal Osteosynthesis for the Fractures of the Lateral Humeral Condyle in Children

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the in situ late osteosynthesis for slightly displaced fractures of the lateral humeral condyle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2000 to 2004, 12 patients (8 boys and 4 girls) were managed with in situ late osteosynthesis for fractures of the lateral humeral condyle. The average age at the time of operation was 6 years 1 month (1 year 7 months~9 years 1 month), and the mean amount of fragment displacement was 3.3 mm (2.0~4.5 mm). The operative procedure included curettage and in situ fixation of the fragment RESULTS: Bony union was achieved in all cases after avg. 48 months (33~73 months) follow-up assessment. According to the score system of Dhillon et al, 7 patients had excellent, 3 had good, 2 had fair results. None of the patients developed avascular necrosis or premature closure of the epiphysis. CONCLUSION: We suggest that in situ fixation is an effective method for the late treatment of slightly displaced fracture of the lateral humeral condyle.