[Special fractures of the capitulum humeri (author's transl)]

Whenever radiographs in the elbow region do not present a clear picture, the physician should consider the possibility of a lesion of the capitulum humeri, despite the fact that this is rather rare. In such cases, the anteroposterior radiographs of the elbow may not present any abnormal findings. In most cases, crescent-shaped or elliptic bone chips in the bend of the elbow or dorsally in the interarticular space of the elbow joint will lead to the proper diagnosis. Classification into groups according to Hahn-Steinthal, Kocher-Lorenz and Krösl can lead to errors if employed too rigidly. In our opinion, lateral tomography of the elbow should always be performed whenever there is any suspicion of a lesion of the capitulum humeri. This will definitely clarify the origin and nature of the fragment, which may be of importance for the selection of the surgical approach and the type of surgical treatment chosen.