Transcondylar Distal Humerus Fracture with Capitulum Fracture in a Pediatric Patient

Abstract

Background: Transcondylar humerus with capitulum fracture is a relatively rare elbow injury, particularly in pediatric age group. Most of them occur after a fall onto an outstretched hand with the elbow in varying degrees of flexion. Since the capitulum fragment does not have a soft-tissue attachment, it can displace and interfere with joint motion. Case Report: A 16 year old patient presented to us with failed fixation following Kirschner (K)-wire fixation and above elbow slab for transcondylar humerus with capitulum fracture. His K-wire was removed, fracture was anatomically reduced and fixed by cannulated cancellous screw and K-wire for transcondylar fracture and two Herbert screws for capitulum fracture. Post-operatively at final follow-up the patient had acceptable painless range of movement of elbow joint and returned to his daily activities without any difficulty. Conclusion: Successful management of such fractures depends on anatomical reduction of the fracture, reconstruction of the articular surface and appropriate rehabilitation.