Unusual humeral medial condyle fracture in an adolescent because of a previous post-traumatic fishtail deformity : a case report

Only a limited number of studies have investigated the age ranges in which the secondary centers of the elbow appear and ossify. Knowledge of sequence, gender differences and age ranges can aid in accurate assessment of radiographs, especially in cases of injury.

I conducted a clinical review of thirty-nine fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus in children and drew the following conclusions: (1) epiphyseal arrest is rare (it occurred in only one patient, despite malreduction in ten), and (2) fishtail deformity of the distal part of the humerus occurs commonly when malreduction is present. Only two poor results were encountered, both in patients in whom the reduction was grossly inadequate. Show more

Fracture of the medial humeral condyle in children is an epiphyseal injury, and it is probably caused by a valgus force incurred with the elbow extended, the origin of the flexor muscles and medial collateral ligament avulsing and rotating the condyle. The injury is uncommon and is easily misdiagnosed. Four children who were treated within one week of injury were seen more than one year later and had good results. Two patients who were treated late and another who was not treated had poor results. Early diagnosis, accurate reduction, and internal fixation are important to avoid growth disturbance, articular incongruence, and functional disability. Show more