lateral condylar fracture Flashcards
Age
children
mechanism
FOOSH with elbow extended into varus
classification
Type 1 : fracture through capitulo trochlear groove , resembles (salter harris type 4 )
is uncommon
Type 2 : fracture through trochlea , resembles ( salter harris type 4 )
is common
Presenting complaints
Pain
Swelling
Deformity
Restricted movement
Xray
AP , lateral and oblique view
Treatment
Undisplaced
Displaced
Undisplaced
Above elbow slab for 2 weeks
90 degree elbow flexion , neutral forearm , wrist extension
Displaced
Moderate : Close reduction ( by extending elbow and pressing ) and k wire fixation
Severe : ORIF
And then above elbow cast for 3 to 4 weeks
Complications
MALUNION = CUBITUS VALGUS DEFORMITY
TARDY ULNAR NERVE PALSY
NON UNION
MYOSITIS OSSIFICANS
PHYSEAL GROWTH ARREST
OSTEOARTHRITIS
CUBITUS VALGUS
Imrproper or failed reduction
Lateral side ceases to grow and medial side continues to grow which ultimately causes valgus deformity
tt : supracondylar osteotomy
also can be associated with tardy ulnar nerve palsy
TARDY ULNAR NERVE PALSY
As ulnar nerve lies behind the medial epicondyle , there may be friction neuritis during extension and flexion of elbow which may cause tingling and numbness sensation .Can be treated by transpositioning of ulnar nerve from behind the epicondyle to anterior of epicondyle