Paediatric T-condylar fractures of the humerus: Clinical experience and outcomes in 19 cases

Abstract Introduction T-condylar fractures of the humerus are very rare in children. The treatment options vary from simple reduction and percutaneous stabilisation to open reduction and fixation with plates, screws and Kirchner wires. We evaluated 19 patients who underwent different types of treatment aiming to compare two different approaches of reduction, postoperative results and complications. Methods The study encompassed total of 19 patients with T-condylar fracture, aged from 3 to 16 years, who underwent either closed or opened reduction between February 2005 and September 2012. Closed reductions were performed in 7, and open reductions in 12 patients. Results were analysed using the Orthopaedic Trauma Association scoring system with 6 domains (range of motion, anatomic restitution, return to activity level, pain, subjective feeling and disability). Results were measured on a 4-point scale (1-excellent, 2-good, 3-fair and 4-poor). Results The mean follow-up was 49 months (range from 12 to 97 months). According to the type of fracture, excellent results were achieved in 10, good in 8 and poor in one patient. According to method of treatment, an excellent outcome was noted in 6 and 4 patients, following closed and opened reduction, respectively. No statistical analysis was performed because of the small sample size. Conclusion The present study concludes that any type of T-condylar fracture of the humerus can be solved to a satisfactory degree, either closed or open reduction and with proper stabilisation.