Transverse Anterior Approach to the Elbow for Pediatric Displaced Lateral Humeral Condyle Fractures

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Pediatric Hand Surgery and Microsurgery, UCA Unit, Vithas San Jose, Barcelona, Spain

2 ICATMA Hand and Microsurgery Unit; ICATME, Hospital Universitari Quiron-Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain

3 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile

Abstract

Background: The anterior approach to the elbow for pediatric lateral condyle fractures (LCF) would provide a better
visualization of the articular fracture resulting in better functional results, less complications and a more cosmeticallyappealing
scar than usually seen with the lateral approach.
Methods: Retrospective study of children undergoing an open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced LCF
via an anterior approach with a transverse incision. Bilateral elbow range of motion (ROM), upper limb alignment
and complications were registered. A 4-point ordinal Likert-type scale was employed for parents to rate their level of
satisfaction with the cosmetic appearance of the scar.
Results: Eighteen children of mean age 76 months (range 27 to 101 months) were included. Fractures were classified
as Jackob’s Type II in 14 cases and Milch’s type II in all cases. Mean follow-up was 12 (range 4 to19) months.
Successful condral fracture visualization and reduction was achieved in every case. No intra-operative or post-operative
complications occurred. In all cases bone union was obtained 4 to 5 weeks after surgery and at final follow-up, active
elbow ROM of at least 90%, was obtained. All parents claimed to be “very satisfied” with their child’s scar. A lateral spur
was identified in 66.7% o patients.
Conclusion: The anterior approach to the elbow was both a feasible and safe allowing full anatomical cartilage
reduction. Complications after this technique might decrease compared to the lateral approach but need future
comparative studies. The rate of lateral spur did not decreased. Cosmetic scar results seem to be a clear advantage of
this approach compared to the classical lateral approach.
Level of evidence: IV

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume 8, Issue 2
March 2020
Pages 142-146

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History

  • Receive Date: 15 April 2018
  • Revise Date: 12 December 2018
  • Accept Date: 19 January 2019

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