Fractured lateral epicondyle with associated elbow dislocation.
We describe a case series involving a very unusual injury in children, i.e. a Milch 1 fracture of the lateral condyle with an associated dislocation of the elbow. This fracture configuration is normally stable as the intact capitellotrochlear groove serves as a lateral buttress for the coronoid-olecranon ridge of the ulna. In this series, however, each patient had an associated dislocation. These injuries usually present as a clinical dislocation and if the elbow is manipulated before radiographic imaging, the fracture line can be difficult to see on the post-reduction films. We recommend that all patients with a dislocated elbow should have elbow stability assessed under general anaesthesia, because a missed lateral condylar injury can lead to abnormalities in carrying angle, epiphyseolysis or an unstable elbow.
Murnaghan
J M
JM
Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, UK.
Thompson
N S
NS
Taylor
T C
TC
Cosgrove
Ap
A
Ballard
J
J
D001864:Bone Wires; D002648:Child; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D000092464:Elbow Injuries