title: Dissolution of the trochlea after supracondylar fracture of the humerus in childhood: an analysis of six cases.
abstract: Dissolution of the trochlea is seldom described as a complication of fractures of the distal end of the humerus in children. We report 6 cases of fishtail deformity after displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. The age at time of fracture was from 4 years 6 months to 6 years 11 months. The fractures were treated by closed reduction and pin fixation in good position. Diagnosis of fishtail deformity was made between 7 months and 4.5 years postinjury. Five patients complained of pain, cracking, and stiffness. The 6 cases reported here support anatomical studies and previous literature that proposed a vascular etiology of fishtail deformity (osteonecrosis of the lateral ossification center of the trochlea).
authors.affiliation: CHU de Caen, Caen, France. bronfen-c@chu-caen.fr
authors.forename: Corinne Elzy
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Bronfen
authors.forename: Benoni
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Geffard
authors.forename: Jean F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Mallet
mesh_terms: D001858:Bone Nails; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006811:Humerus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D016916:Joint Deformities, Acquired / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D000092464:Elbow Injuries