Osteosynthesis of medial humeral epicondyle fractures in children: 8-year follow-up of 33 cases

Abstract

33 children with a mean age of 12 (7-15) years had open reduction and osteosynthesis for a displaced fracture of the medial humeral epicondyle. 8 (2-15) years after the operation a clinical and radiographic examination was performed. 22/33 had a prominent scar. No patients had symptoms from the ulnar nerve. Function and range of motion of the elbow were good in all cases, albeit with 20-25 degrees of extension in 3. There were 3 cases of asymptomatic nonunion. Surgery was found to reduce the frequency of nonunion, compared to previous reports of non-operative treatment.