Capitellar fractures-is open reduction and internal fixation necessary?
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the medium-term to longer-term results of type 1 displaced capitellar fractures treated with closed reduction.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
Eight consecutive cases (7 adults; 1 child) with type 1 capitellar fractures.


METHODS
Closed reduction of type 1 capitellar fractures and 4 weeks of postreduction immobilization.


METHODS
Complications (including radiographic), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score, and active elbow range of motion.


RESULTS
Average follow-up was 41.6 months (range, 18-77 months). All 8 fractures were united. The patients obtained near full return of the range of motion when compared with the uninjured contralateral side. Mean average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score scores were 4.36 (SD, 2.68; Range, 0-9). No complications were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that type 1 capitellar fractures can be treated successfully with closed reduction and cast immobilization.


METHODS
Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
*Brisbane Hand and Upper Limb Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; and †Department of Orthopaedics, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
Kenneth
K
Cutbush
Steven
S
Andrews
Nashat
N
Siddiqui
Lochlin M
LM
Brown
Mark
M
Ross
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D002648:Child; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000092464:Elbow Injuries