Effect of fracture classifications on outcome of lateral condyle humerus fracture in children – Prospective study

Lateral humeral condyle fracture is second most common in incidence after supracondylar fracture comprising of 10% 20% of all elbow fractures. These classifications have been used to guide the choice of treatment, however no study reporting outcome with respect to fracture classification has been reported. We present our results of treatment of fracture lateral condyle humerus in cohort of 38 patients and effect of the fracture morphology according to Milch type, Jakob stage and according to conventional classification based on displacement on functional and clinical outcome.

From June 2007 to December 2009, 38 children treated for isolated fracture of lateral condyle of humerus were included. Functional clinical outcome according to Hardacre criteria and Dhillon Scores was evaluated.

Mean union duration, mean range of motion and mean carrying angle was not significant with respect to Milch fracture type, Jakob fracture stage and conventional classification of fracture lateral condyle humerus irrespective of modality of treatment.

Irrespective of whether the fracture is intraarticular or extraarticular, or is displaced undisplaced, good outcome can be expected if anatomical reduction is achieved and maintained in lateral condyle humerus fractures.