Lateral humeral condylar fractures in children

Fifty-three patients with 56 fractures of the lateral humeral condyle were reviewed and the results were assessed to determine the amount of displacement that could be relied on to produce satisfactory results. Closed treatment resulted in satisfactory results if the initial displacement did not exceed 2 mm. This required close follow-up for detection of displacement. Percutaneous pinning of nondisplaced and minimally displaced fractures is an acceptable alternative in any situation in which close scrutiny cannot be ensured. Those fractures with greater than 2 mm of displacement should be reduced, pinned, and immobilized for 6-8 weeks. Evidence of delayed union after 8 weeks is an indication for internal fixation and possibly bone grafting. Established nonunions in good position are best treated by open reduction and bone grafting. In this series, varus deformity was the most common deviation from a normal carrying angle. The functional results were invariably good regardless of the radiographic or clinical findings.