Neglected fracture of the medial humeral epicondyle that was entrapped into the elbow joint: a case report

J Pediatr Orthop B. 2010 Nov;19(6):542-4. doi: 10.1097/BPB.0b013e32833af520.

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to report clinical and radiographic long-term results of a neglected fracture of the medial humeral epicondyle, which was entrapped into the elbow joint. At follow-up, 48 years after the trauma, the patient complained of occasional discomfort around the elbow, but the joint had a normal range of motion and good stability. Radiographs showed that the epicondylar fragment was fused to the medial border of the olecranon. The authors conclude that an old fracture of the medial humeral epicondyle, presenting a fusion of the fragment to the olecranon with normal range of motion and without pain, may be managed expectantly.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Arthralgia / diagnostic imaging
  • Arthralgia / etiology
  • Arthralgia / rehabilitation
  • Casts, Surgical*
  • Child
  • Elbow Injuries*
  • Elbow Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Humans
  • Humeral Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Humeral Fractures / therapy*
  • Immobilization / methods
  • Injury Severity Score
  • Intra-Articular Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Intra-Articular Fractures / therapy*
  • Joint Dislocations / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Dislocations / therapy
  • Male
  • Neglected Diseases*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Refusal