Separation of the distal humeral epiphysis in the neonate. A combined clinical and roentgenographic diagnosis

Abstract

Separation of the distal humeral epiphysis in the neonate or young child can be diagnosed confidently by combining roentgenographic and clinical information. Such diagnosis is critical, as two abnormalities included in the differential diagnosis--irreducible elbow dislocation and fracture to the lateral humeral condyle--often require open reduction, unlike distal humeral epiphyseal separation, which can be treated conservatively. We describe two patients and review the pertinent literature.