Nonunion of slightly displaced fractures of the lateral humeral condyle in children: an update
Flynn, J.C.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics 9(6): 691-696
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0271-6798 PMID: 2600178 Document Number: 342779
Inadequate treatment continues to be the leading cause of nonunion of slightly displaced fractures of pediatric lateral humeral condyles, despite references to prevention in the orthopaedic literature. In most cases, the elbow with established nonunion can be salvaged by early stabilization and bone grafting, provided that the fragment is in acceptable position and the growth plate of the condylar fragment is open. Procrastination may allow the physis of the condylar fragment to close prematurely, preempting the golden opportunity to salvage the child's elbow. The author has collected 23 similar cases from correspondence with 17 orthopaedic surgeons.