Internal fixation of a capitellar fracture using Herbert screws. A case report

Fractures of the capitellum can involve a significant portion of the articular surface, rendering the elbow joint unstable. In this situation it is desirable to reduce and internally fix the capitellar fragment, because this restores the articular surface and augments joint stability. A 35-year-old woman sustained a posterolateral dislocation of the left elbow associated with a capitellar fracture. Fixation of the capitellar fragment with Herbert screws stabilized the joint, allowed anatomic reduction, and gave good fixation. Active motion was possible at three weeks. When the patient was evaluated at one year, the fracture had united and there was no evidence of avascular necrosis.