[Functional results of displaced lateral condyle fractures of the humerus with four-week K-wire fixation in children].

Objectives: We evaluated the radiographic and clinical functional results of four-week K-wire fixation in the treatment of displaced lateral condyle fractures of the humerus.

Methods: The study included 69 children (19 girls, 50 boys; mean age 6.1 years; range 2 to 12 years) with displaced (>2 mm) lateral condyle fractures of the humerus. All the patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with two K-wires for four weeks. The fractures were classified according to the criteria by Milch and Badelon and functional results were evaluated according to the criteria by Hardacre et al. The mean follow-up period was 39 months (range 26 to 89 months).

Results: No complications were seen in the early follow-up period. On final evaluations, the carrying angles of both elbows were equal in 57 patients (82.6%), with a mean difference of 5 degrees in 11 patients (15.9%). The range of motion of the humeroulnar joint on the affected side differed from that on the contralateral side in only 15 patients (21.7%) with a mean of 5 degrees. Radiographic evaluations showed overgrowth of the lateral condyle and new bone formation over the condyle in 33 patients (47.8%). Functional results were excellent in 54 patients (78.3%) and good in 15 patients (21.7%). Nonunion did not occur.

Conclusion: Treatment of displaced lateral condyle fractures of the humerus with open reduction and four-week K-wire fixation proved to be efficient to achieve satisfactory functional results.