Objective: To compare the results of above-elbow cast conservative treatment and surgical percutaneous pinning of nondisplaced (grade1) lateral condyle humerus fractures in young children.
Patients and Methods: This is a prospective study held on twenty patients at Samannoud general hospital, Gharbiae, Egypt. Ten patients underwent conservative treatment in the form of above-elbow cast, and ten patients underwent surgical treatment in the form of percutaneous pinning fixation.
Results:
One patient (10%) had a secondary displacement in the conservative treatment group after a week and needed surgical intervention. No other complications were reported in this group. One patient (10%) had a mild pin tract infection in the pinning group, which resolved after removal. All patients in the study restored elbow full range of motion one week from plaster removal. Sixteen patients (6 conservative and ten pinnings) had overgrowth after the procedure with no statistical difference between the two groups, that was not also clinically evident. No significant difference in any outcome was detected between the groups.
Conclusion: Lateral condyle humerus fractures need proper radiological evaluation on initial presentation after trauma and close follow-up. The present study demonstrated no significant difference in outcomes on the short term scale between conservative versus surgical treatment for grade 1 fractures, except for the possible re-displacement (10%) comparable to the literature. Patients' parents/guardians would be offered conservative treatment as a first option if good compliance and close follow-up in the first few weeks are possible, which would avoid the potential complications of anaesthetics and surgical risks.