Capitellum fracture: detecting fat pads may have a significant impact on outcome

Capitellum fractures account for less than 1% of all elbow fractures. Their appearance on plain radiographs may be subtle. It is this combination of features that make these injuries easy to misdiagnose. Misdiagnosis of a nondisplaced capitellum fracture is significant because the capitellum does not have soft tissue attachments and can convert to a displaced fracture that will need surgery. Although a prior study has reported a high incidence of occult elbow fractures when elevated fat pads are present, it did not demonstrate an impact on management. Our case illustrates that because of the capitellum's propensity to displace, detecting fat pads and immobilizing the elbow may have a significant impact on outcome.