title: Lateral condyle fracture of a child's humerus: the radiographic features may be subtle.
abstract: Fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus in children are relatively common and can be easily missed on initial plain radiographs especially in the younger age group. We present a case in which diagnosis of this fracture was delayed for five weeks and therefore presented more challenging surgical management. The salient features that were apparent on the initial radiograph at presentation are discussed as is the use of further imaging techniques that may help to clarify the initial diagnosis. This could significantly reduce the risk of serious complications such as chronic pain, deformity and nerve palsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. mark.gaston@ed.ac.uk
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Gaston
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Irwin
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Huntley
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis / Q000009:adverse effects; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092464:Elbow Injuries