Management of Adult Lateral Condyle Fracture: Unveiling a Complex Elbow Injury: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Management
• Elbow Biomechanics

Background:

• Lateral condyle fractures of the humerus are uncommon in adults.
• Elbow instability can be a subtle but significant complication of these fractures.
• Coronoid process avulsion injuries are critical indicators of elbow instability.

Observation:

• A 42-year-old male presented with a delayed diagnosis of a lateral condyle fracture after a fall.
• Initial conservative management failed due to unrecognized elbow instability.
• Further evaluation revealed a type 1 coronoid avulsion injury, identified as the primary cause of instability.

Findings:

• The case highlights how lateral condyle fractures can mask underlying elbow instability.
• Capsular avulsion from the coronoid process was the main contributor to instability in this patient.
• Conservative management without addressing instability led to poor outcomes.

Implications:

• Emphasizes the need for thorough preoperative evaluation in adult lateral condyle fractures.
• Intraoperative assessment for elbow instability is crucial for successful surgical outcomes.
• This report contributes to understanding the mechanism and management of complex elbow injuries.