LATERAL HUMERAL CONDYLE FRACTURES: THE SOUTHAMPTON EXPERIENCE

AimWe evaluated the outcome of conservative versus surgical treatment in lateral humeral condyle fractures in children. The management in some of these fractures remains controversial, ultimately relying upon the individual practitioner.MethodsWe identified 73 children who sustained such fractures, with varying degrees of displacement, during the period between April 2006 and October 2011.ResultsThere were 41 boys and 32 girls. The mean age at the time of injury was 5.2 years (range 0.84–11.92). According to Milch's classification, there were 4 type I and 69 type II fractures. Undisplaced fractures (Jakob grade I, n= 30) were almost universally treated conservatively (n=29) whilst all severely displaced fractures (Jakob grade III, n= 15) were treated surgically, by closed or open reduction and k-wires or screws. However, the protocol differed for those fractures displaced 2–3 mm (Jakob grade II) and was mainly based on surgeon's preferences and clinical examination. Fifteen of 28 (53.57%) were initially t...