Fracture-separation of the distal humeral epiphysis

Abstract

Fracture-separation of the distal humeral epiphysis presents problems in diagnosis, radiologic interpretation, and management. All of these problems are affected by the arbitrary division of the affected patients into three age groups. Fortunately, although easily misdiagnosed, this fracture does not bear the inherent disasters of the ununited lateral condylar fracture, the malunited supracondylar fracture, or the untreated elbow dislocation. As with most uncomplicated Type II epiphyseal injuries, healing and childhood remodeling result in satisfactory elbow function. Although rare in incidence, this condition warrants the same critical assessment of, and appropriate attention to detail, as any other elbow problem of childhood.