[Corrective interventions after elbow para-articular fractures in childhood]

Abstract

Besides supracondylar fracture of the humerus there are several injuries of the elbow joint, which may lead to major disability. In this study 5 cases of corrective procedures are described after elbow fractures. Initially the lesions were overlooked. These were a fracture of the radial condyle, producing a pseudarthrosis, three cases of Monteggia fractures with persisting dislocation of the radial head in young children and a periarticular calcification issuing from an avulsion of the radial epicondyle and the radial capsule in a 13-year-old. All children had marked functional limitation of the elbow joint. The primarily overlooked fractures were corrected early. Various osteosynthesis procedures including movement and distraction extend fixator were employed. Overall, in all patients an almost complete movement of the joint at existing stability could be achieved. Transcondylar and Monteggia fractures should not be overlooked at the initial diagnosis as secondary operations for correction always have a less favorable outcome than the primary one. For the management of ankylosis of the elbow a movement extend fixator after distraction is a useful additional management.