Operative management of capitellar fractures: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to evaluate reports of clinical outcomes of isolated capitellar fractures.


METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of medical databases reporting clinical outcomes of patients undergoing nonoperative and operative management of isolated capitellar fractures.


RESULTS
We identified 28 studies for inclusion comprising 174 patients. All included studies were level IV evidence. Capitellar fractures were more common among women than men and were more likely to involve the nondominant arm. Type I fractures (84%) were more common than type II (14%) and III fractures (2%). Operative and nonoperative management both led to satisfactory clinical outcomes. No significant difference in outcomes was observed in those undergoing operative management compared with those undergoing closed reduction and immobilization.


CONCLUSIONS
Nonoperative and operative management of isolated capitellar fractures leads to satisfactory clinical outcomes as determined by postoperative range of motion, improvement in pain, and a return to previous levels of function. No statistical difference in outcomes was observed between those undergoing operative management compared with those treated with closed reduction and immobilization.
Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Sports Medicine, The Ohio State University Sports Medicine Center, Columbus, OH 43221, USA.
Thai Q
TQ
Trinh
Joshua D
JD
Harris
Gregory P
GP
Kolovich
Michael J
MJ
Griesser
Mark S
MS
Schickendantz
Grant L
GL
Jones
D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D000092464:Elbow Injuries