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Complex pediatric elbow injury: an uncommon case
1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow, G42 9TY, UK. hksharma1@aol.com
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
|March 11, 2005
Summary
Complex elbow trauma in children is rare. This case highlights managing a lateral condyle fracture with elbow dislocation using closed reduction and K-wire fixation, achieving excellent recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Trauma Surgery
- Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions
Background:
- Complex elbow trauma is infrequently documented in pediatric patients.
- This study addresses an uncommon pediatric elbow injury involving a lateral condyle fracture and posterolateral elbow dislocation.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy presented with a Milch type II lateral condyle fracture and associated posterolateral elbow dislocation after direct trauma.
- Initial management involved closed reduction of the elbow dislocation.
- Surgical fixation of the lateral condyle fracture was performed using K-wires after assessing elbow stability.
Findings:
- The patient experienced an uneventful recovery.
- Excellent functional outcomes were observed at a 39-month follow-up.
- The described treatment protocol effectively managed the complex injury.
Implications:
- Complex pediatric elbow injuries require specialized management approaches.
- Prompt closed reduction of dislocation followed by internal fixation of the fracture is crucial.
- This case underscores the successful use of K-wire fixation for lateral condyle fractures in conjunction with elbow dislocations.