Medial Condyle Fractures of the Humerus in the Pediatric Population: Diagnostic Challenges

• DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.cc.19.00438
• Publication Date: 2020-06-10T17:03:42Z
• Authors: Brian K. Zukotynski; Jared M. Alswang; Mauricio Silva
• Keywords: Male; Humeral Fractures; 3. Good health; Radiography; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Child, Preschool; Humans; Female; Olecranon Process; Child; Fractures, Malunited

Case: We describe 3 cases of children, ages ranging from 3 years 11 months to 6 years 3 months, who presented with medial condyle fractures (MCF) over a 3-year period with 3 distinct treatment outcomes.

Conclusion: Pediatric MCFs are rare and difficult to diagnose, but evidence of severe edema in the presence of an apparent avulsion fracture on the medial side of the elbow in patients younger than 6 years old could suggest the possibility of a displaced fracture of the medial humeral condyle and additional assessment involving evaluation under anesthesia, arthrography, or advanced imaging may be warranted. Open reduction with internal fixation should be considered for displaced fractures.