title: Transphyseal Distal Humerus Fracture.
abstract: Transphyseal distal humerus fractures typically occur in children younger than 3 years secondary to birth trauma, nonaccidental trauma, or a fall from a small height. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of a transphyseal distal humerus fracture is crucial for a successful outcome. Recognizing that the forearm is not aligned with the humerus on plain radiographs may aid in the diagnosis of a transphyseal distal humerus fracture. Surgical management is most commonly performed with the aid of an arthrogram. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning techniques similar to those used for supracondylar humerus fractures are employed. Cubitus varus caused by a malunion, osteonecrosis of the medial condyle, or growth arrest is the most common complication encountered in the treatment of transphyseal distal humerus fractures. A corrective lateral closing wedge osteotomy can be performed to restore a nearly normal carrying angle.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Director of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Director of University of Maryland Brachial Plexus Clinic, Deputy Surgeon-in-Chief of Maryland Children's Hospital, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, Maryland.
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Abzug
authors.forename: Christine Ann
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Todd F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Ritzman
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Brighton
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017759:Fractures, Malunited / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006811:Humerus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092464:Elbow Injuries