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Transphyseal Distal Humerus Fracture

Joshua Abzug1, Christine Ann Ho, Todd F Ritzman

  • 1Assistant Professor, Director of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Director of University of Maryland Brachial Plexus Clinic, Deputy Surgeon-in-Chief of Maryland Children's Hospital, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, Maryland.

Instructional Course Lectures
|April 7, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Transphyseal distal humerus fractures in young children require prompt diagnosis. Surgical management involves closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, with potential complications like cubitus varus addressed by osteotomy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Pediatric Trauma Surgery

Background:

  • Transphyseal distal humerus fractures are uncommon injuries in children under 3 years old.
  • These fractures often result from birth trauma, nonaccidental trauma, or minor falls.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for optimal patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diagnosis, management, and complications of transphyseal distal humerus fractures in pediatric patients.
  • To highlight key radiographic findings and surgical techniques for this specific fracture pattern.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical presentations and radiographic findings.
  • Description of surgical techniques including arthrogram-assisted reduction and percutaneous pinning.
  • Discussion of common complications and their management.

Main Results:

  • Radiographic assessment, noting forearm-humerus misalignment, aids diagnosis.
  • Surgical treatment commonly utilizes closed reduction and percutaneous pinning.
  • Cubitus varus, medial condyle osteonecrosis, and growth arrest are frequent complications.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention are essential for managing transphyseal distal humerus fractures.
  • Awareness of potential complications guides long-term management strategies.
  • Corrective osteotomy can effectively address malunion deformities like cubitus varus.

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