title: Management of lateral humeral condylar fracture in children.
abstract: Lateral condylar fractures constitute 12% to 20% of all pediatric distal humerus fractures. These fractures are easily missed and when not managed appropriately can displace. Missed fracture is a common cause of nonunion and deformity; thus, a high index of suspicion and adequate clinical and radiographic evaluation are required. Displaced fractures are associated with a high rate of nonunion. Nondisplaced fractures or those displaced ≤2 mm are managed with cast immobilization and frequent radiographic follow-up. Fractures displaced >2 mm are managed with surgical fixation. Successful outcomes have been reported with closed reduction, open reduction, and arthroscopically assisted techniques. Complications associated with pediatric lateral condylar fracture include cubitus varus, cubitus valgus, fishtail deformity, and tardy ulnar nerve palsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Nirmal
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tejwani
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: Rachel Y
authors.initials: RY
authors.lastname: Goldstein
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D002648:Child; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D017759:Fractures, Malunited / Q000150:complications; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D011859:Radiography; D014463:Ultrasonography; D000092464:Elbow Injuries