Abstract
Purpose: Lateral condylar fractures of the distal humerus are the second most common elbow fractures in pediatrics, accounting for up to 5-20%. We aimed to assess the results of displaced, neglected lateral condylar fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).
Methods: Clinical trial involving 17 patients (aged 3-10 years) treated with Kirschner (K)-wires (January 2020 to January 2024) and followed-up for 2-years.
Results: Patients had a mean age of 6.12±1.99 years, males (70.6%), with mean Bowman`s angle of 83.5±5.12 and Liverpool elbow score of 4.2±0.56. Post-operative decline in Bowman`s angle to 77.7±4.2 (p<0.001) and a significant improvement in the Liverpool elbow score reaching 8.02±0.74 (p<0.001). Complications included elbow stiffness (29.4%), scar formation (23.5%), bony spur formation (17.6%), wound infection (11.8%), and avascular necrosis (5.9%).
Conclusion: ORIF using k-wires for neglected lateral humeral condylar fracture could be considered a treatment option with a low rate of persistent limitation of motion.
Keywords: Distal humerus, lateral humeral condylar fracture, opens reduction and internal fixation, elbow stiffness.