title: Surgical treatment of displaced medial epicondyle fractures in adolescent athletes.
abstract: Eight adolescent athletes (average age, 11 years; range, 9 to 15) underwent open reduction and internal fixation of acute, displaced medial epicondyle fractures. Fixation was achieved with a screw and washer. Four patients (50%) had associated elbow dislocations. Elbow motion in a brace was initiated 4 days after surgery. The brace allowed full flexion and extension but protected the elbow against valgus stress. Bracing was continued for 4 weeks. The average duration of followup was 10 months (range, 6 to 13). All fractures united, and full motion was achieved in seven patients. One patient lost 5 degrees of hyperextension compared with the opposite elbow. All eight elbows were stable to valgus stress and were pain-free. All patients returned to full sports activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Naval Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Case
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Hennrikus
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017668:Age of Onset; D001863:Bone Screws; D001915:Braces; D002648:Child; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D006811:Humerus / Q000254:growth & development; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092464:Elbow Injuries