Posteromedial dislocation of the elbow with lateral condyle fracture in children

Abstract

Posteromedial dislocation of the elbow in children is an extremely rare injury. The current study describes four boys with posteromedial dislocation of the elbow associated with a displaced fracture of the lateral humeral condyle. The patients ranged in age from 6 to 12 years (average age, 9 years 6 months). Closed reduction of the elbow dislocation and open reduction of the lateral humeral condyle fracture with fixation by Kirschner wires by a lateral approach was done in each patient. This was followed by 4 weeks immobilization wearing a long-arm cast. There were three excellent results and one good result. Healing and return of normal function occurred in all but one patient who had minor loss of full extension. Average duration of followup was 7 years 6 months (range, 3-13 years). Dislocation of the elbow associated with a displaced fracture of the lateral humeral condyle can be treated by closed reduction of the elbow dislocation and open anatomic reduction and fixation of the lateral condyle fracture with good results.