Not all that looks fractured is broken—multipartite humeral epicondyles in children

Abstract

Objective

Multipartite epicondyles may mimic fractures in the setting of pediatric elbow trauma. This study examines the prevalence of multipartite epicondyles during skeletal development and their association with pediatric elbow fractures.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective analysis, 4282 elbow radiographs of 1265 elbows of 1210 patients aged 0–17 years were reviewed. The radiographs were analyzed by two radiologists in consensus reading, and the number of visible portions of the medial and lateral epicondyles was noted. For elbows in which epicondylar ossification was not yet visible, the epicondyles were already fused with the humerus or could not be sufficiently evaluated due to projection issues or because osteosynthesis material was excluded. In total, 187 elbows were included for the lateral and 715 for the medial epicondyle analyses.

Results

No multipartite medial epicondyles were found in patients without history of elbow fracture, whereas 9% of these patients had multipartite lateral epicondyles ( p < 0.01). Current or previous elbow fractures increased the prevalence of multipartite epicondyles, with significant lateral predominance (medial epicondyle + 9% vs. lateral + 24%, p < 0.0001). Including all patients regardless of a history of elbow fracture, multipartite medial epicondyles were observed in 3% and multipartite lateral epicondyles in 18% ( p < 0.0001). There was no gender difference in the prevalence of multipartition of either epicondyle, regardless of a trauma history.

Conclusion

Multipartite medial epicondyles occur in patients with current or previous elbow fractures only, whereas multipartite lateral epicondyles may be constitutional. Elbow fractures increase the prevalence of multipartite epicondyles on both sides, with significant lateral predominance.

Key Points

• Multipartite medial epicondyles should be considered of traumatic origin.

• Multipartite lateral epicondyles may be constitutional.

• Elbow fractures increase the prevalence of multipartite epicondyles on both sides with lateral predominance.