A new classification system predictive of complications in surgically treated pediatric humeral lateral condyle fractures.

Background: The most commonly cited classification system for lateral condyle fractures (Milch) has not been shown to be predictive of outcome or recommend treatment.

Purpose: To determine whether a classification system and treatment based on fracture displacement and articular congruity correlates with the complication rate after pediatric lateral humeral condyle fractures.

Methods: A retrospective review of all children with lateral condyle fractures treated operatively at one institution from 1996 to 2003 was performed.