Outcome of paediatric lateral condyle humerus fractures treated operatively

Background: Paediatric lateral humeral condyle fractures account for 17 % of the distal humeral fractures. Displaced and rotated fractures require appropriate reduction and stabilisation. Aims: The aim of the present study was to review the results of patients with a displaced lateral humeral condyle fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Material and methods: We prospectively reviewed 30 children operated for lateral humeral condyle fractures at a single institution over a period of 3 years. Age distribution, fracture classification, mode of fixation, time to union, complications and final outcomes at the latest follow-up were reviewed. Results: Total 30 patients of lateral condyle fractures were identified in which there were 18 male and 12 female patients. Average age was 8.07 years. 10 were Milch type II and 20 Milch type I. According to the Jacob’s classification, 05 were type I and 17 were type II and 08 were type III. All fractures were treated with open reduction and fixation with K-wires except one which was treated with CRIF. Average time to radiological union was 6.1 weeks. Radiological hypertrophy of the lateral condyle was present in 4 cases (13.33 %). 3 patients developed a pseudo-cubitus varus deformity. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that fracture union and excellent final outcomes can be expected in all patients using our protocol, whereby all patients with a displaced fracture are managed by ORIF with K-wire fixation, with the wires only being removed after there is evidence of radiological union. Key words: Paediatric lateral condyle fractures, ORIF, Radiological union