title: Nonoperative treatment for minimally and nondisplaced lateral humeral condyle fractures in children.
abstract: The radiographic and clinical records of 95 children with nondisplaced or minimally displaced fractures of the lateral humeral condyle treated on a nonoperative protocol were reviewed. Acute nondisplaced or minimally displaced fractures were defined as < 24 h old on initial evaluation and displaced < 2 mm in three radiographic planes (anteroposterior, lateral, and internal oblique). Closed treatment and close follow-up in a long-arm cast or splint resulted in a union rate of 98% in 3-7 weeks. Two of the fractures displaced required open reduction and internal fixation and then subsequently went on to union without complications.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Hospital, Los Angeles, California 90007, USA.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Bast
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Hoffer
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aval
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004550:Elbow / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092464:Elbow Injuries