Management of Pediatric Elbow Fractures and Dislocations.

Pediatric elbow fractures and dislocations have always been a challenge from a diagnostic and therapeutic point of view, primarily due to the complex nature of the pediatric elbow, especially its developmental anatomy. They must be diagnosed and treated on time to prevent numerous complications with long-term consequences. With the development of radiology and pediatric surgery and orthopedics, as well as the development of modern osteosynthesis materials, concerning current scientific and professional knowledge, the outcomes are getting better, with fewer acute and chronic complications. This comprehensive review aims to provide clinicians current knowledge about pediatric elbow fractures and dislocations so that in daily practice they have as few doubts as possible with the best possible treatment outcomes.

Epidemiologic investigation of pediatric distal humerus fractures: An American insurance claims database study.

BACKGROUND: Distal humerus elbow fractures are one of the most common traumatic fractures seen in pediatric patients and present as three main types: Supracondylar (SC), lateral condyle (LC), and medial epicondyle (ME) fractures. AIM: To evaluate the epidemiology of pediatric distal humerus fractures (SC, LC, and ME) from an American insurance claims database. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients 17 years and younger with the ICD 9 and 10 codes for SC, LC and ME fractures based on the IBM Truven MarketScan® Commercial and IBM Truven MarketScan Medicare Supplemental databases. Patients from 2015 to 2020 were queried for treatments, patient age, sex, length of hospitalization, and comorbidities. RESULTS: A total of 1133 SC, 154 LC, and 124 ME fractures were identified. SC fractures had the highest percentage of operation at 83%, followed by LC (78%) and ME fractures (41%). Male patients were, on average, older than female patients for both SC and ME fractures. CONCLUSION: In the insurance claims databases used, SC fractures were the most reported, followed by LC fractures, and finally ME fractures. Age was identified to be a factor for how a pediatric distal humerus fractures, with patients with SC and LC fractures being younger than those with ME fractures. The peak age per injury per sex was similar to reported historic central tendencies, despite reported trends for younger physiologic development.

Distal Humerus Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal Junctional Fracture of a Four-Year-Old Child Treated With Intramedullary Steinmann Wire Fixation: A Case Report.

Distal humeral metaphyseal-diaphyseal fractures are rare and inherently unstable injuries. Non-operative treatments can make it hard to maintain reduction. Open or closed reduction with percutaneous K-wire fixation may be the preferred treatment option for these fracture types. This case report describes successfully managing a rare distal humerus metaphyseal-diaphyseal junctional (MDJ) fracture in a four-year-old child using intramedullary Steinmann wire fixation. A four-year-old male child applied to the emergency service with a swollen elbow. He had a history of trauma 10 days ago. There was a long arm splint on his arm. A displaced distal MDJ fracture of the left humerus was detected on the radiograph. Due to its instability, we preferred surgical management. With a lateral incision, we obtained a successful reduction after manipulation. Subsequently, we achieved the anatomical reduction with three Steinmann pins. We applied two Steinmann pins intramedullary, and the other one crosses from the medial epicondyle and exits the lateral cortex, forming a crossed-pin configuration at the fracture site. We immobilized the extremity for four weeks with a long arm splint. At the end of the fourth week, we removed the Steinmann pins. After removing the wires, we began an active range of motion exercises. The plain X-ray at the two-month follow-up revealed good fracture healing with no residual elbow deformity. The patient could perform a complete elbow range of motion. The case highlights the challenges in treating pediatric distal metaphyseal-diaphyseal humerus fractures, and it demonstrates the effectiveness of this intramedullary Steinmann wire fixation technique in achieving stable fracture reduction and promoting rapid healing in a small child.

Unusual Combination of Lateral Condyle Mass Fracture and Olecranon Fracture in a Child: A Case Report.

Fractures of the lateral condyle and olecranon are two of the most common elbow injuries in the pediatric age group. However, their simultaneous occurrence is rare. Proper understanding and management of these injuries are essential to prevent long-term complications. This case report presents a patient who suffered both fractures, with surgical intervention for the condyle and non-surgical management for the olecranon. A two-year-old female child was brought to the emergency department following a fall from monkey bars, landing on her outstretched left arm. Clinical examination showed a markedly swollen and tender elbow with a restricted range of motion. No neurovascular deficit was noted. Plain radiographs revealed a displaced fracture of the lateral condyle and an associated non-displaced olecranon fracture. Given the displacement of the lateral condyle fracture, surgical intervention was deemed necessary. The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the lateral condyle using Kirschner wires. The olecranon fracture, being non-displaced, was managed conservatively with a posterior splint. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful. The Kirschner wires were removed at six weeks of follow-up, and active mobilization was started. The patient achieved full range of motion at three months post-injury. At a one-year follow-up, she had no pain, restriction, or any deformity, and radiographs confirmed the complete union of both fractures. Simultaneous fractures of the lateral condyle and olecranon in children are rare. The mechanism of injury is complex and warrants a high index of suspicion for associated injuries. Surgical fixation of the lateral condyle and conservative management of the olecranon fracture can yield excellent outcomes.

Pediatric Elbow Dislocations and Associated Fractures.

The objective was to evaluate pediatric patients with acute elbow dislocation and/or associated fracture to determine which were indicated for surgical intervention, using a single institution, Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved retrospective review of patients who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with an acute elbow dislocation. Inclusion criteria were age ≤ 18 years, acute elbow dislocation injury, and appropriate imaging. A total of 117 patients were included 37 had a simple elbow dislocation, 80 had an associated fracture (medial epicondyle 59, lateral condyle 9, radial head/neck 7, other 5). A total of 62% (73/117) were male. The average age was 10.3 years (range 4-17). Mechanisms of injury included: falls from height/playground equipment (46), trampoline (14), and sports (57). All 37 patients with a simple elbow dislocation were successfully treated with closed reduction. Of the 80 patients with an associated fracture, 30 (38%) went on to open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). A total of 59 patients had an associated medial epicondyle fracture; 24 (41%) of whom went on to ORIF. Nine patients had an associated lateral condyle fracture, five (56%) of whom went on to ORIF. Patients with a simple elbow dislocation can be successfully treated with a closed reduction in the ED. However, 30/80 patients with an associated fracture (medial epicondyle, lateral condyle, or radial neck) required operative management.

K Wires or Cannulated Screws for Fixation of Lateral Condyle Fractures in Children: A Systematic Review of Comparative Studies.

Introduction: Lateral condyle fractures in children have been typically been treated operatively using Kirschner wires (K wire) or cannulated screws (CCS); however, a definitive choice of implant remains a matter of debate. This systematic review aims to determine if union and functional outcomes of these fractures are better with screw fixation. Methodology: A search of PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, and Google scholar was performed in March 2021. The results were screened by title and abstract, and relevance and a quality assessment of the data were performed for the articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Articles comparing radiological and functional outcomes of lateral condyle fractures treated with K wires or screws were included for examination. Articles were excluded if they did not compare outcomes of K wires and CCS together, or were in a language other than English, technical notes, case reports, and articles, which describe the use of fixation methods other than K wire or CCS as well as biomechanical studies were also excluded. Risk of bias and quality assessment of included articles were also done. Results: Seven clinical studies were included. 44.4% (n = 4) were retrospective review of records with level III evidence (77.7%, n = 7). Only two included articles had good-quality assessment scores. Union was reported in 85.7% % in K wire group and 99.6% in CCS group. Functional outcomes were not statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusion: Using screws to fix lateral condyle provides better union; however, there is no difference in the functional outcomes and complication rate between the two. Using screws or buried K wires adds the burden of an additional procedure for removal.

Isolated coronoid fracture in a 9-year old child - A Case Report.

Introduction: Isolated coronoid fractures in the pediatric age group are uncommon and ill-defined in literature; here, we are studying the characteristics of the fracture and surgical management to gain good functional outcomes in such cases. Case Report: A case of 9-year-old boy who presented with isolated right elbow coronoid displaced fracture Type IIIA of Regan and Morrey Classification, underwent open reduction internal fixation with headless screws and was followed up for 1-year postoperatively. A satisfactory functional outcome with full range of movement achieved with no complications at the final follow-up. Conclusion: Headless screw fixation for Type IIIA coronoid fractures in pediatric elbow gives good functional outcome and range of movements with low rates of complications.

Management and Outcome of Jeffrey Type 2 Fractures in Paediatric Patients: A Case Series and Review of Literature.

Introduction: Fractures of the radial neck are very uncommon in children, accounting for 5-8.5% of all fractures around the elbow in children, and are sometimes found with dislocation of the elbow joint. Jeffery carefully studied and classified these types of radial neck fractures with displaced radial head into several types. Very few cases with Jeffrey fractures are reported in the literature, and most cases were treated by surgery. Only one case of successful closed reduction and cast and two cases of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning have been reported. Case Report: We report two cases of Jeffery Type 2 fractures treated by an open reduction in an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old boy. We describe the difficulties faced in the reduction of the fracture and the complications that occurred in the patients. Conclusion: Jeffery Type 2 fracture is an uncommon and difficult-to-treat injury with the possible complication of the radial head being turned upside down if treated conservatively. Therefore, prompt recognition and careful reduction are essential in this type of injury.

Medial Humeral Epicondyle Fracture Incarcerated Into the Elbow Joint in an Adolescent Patient With Ulnar Nerve Palsy.

Medial humeral epicondyle fractures are seen in about one-fourth of all elbow fractures in the pediatric population. Though it seems to be a common occurrence, there is still controversy existing on the treatment aspects to date. Among these fractures, about one-fourth are seen incarcerated into the elbow joint and this is managed surgically. This is a case report of an adolescent male who had a medial epicondyle fracture of the humerus with the fracture fragment incarcerated into the elbow joint, and the patient also had ulnar nerve palsy, He was surgically treated with screw fixation and had an uneventful intra-operative and post-operative period.

Children With Elbow Injuries and Sonographic Elevated Posterior Fat Pad but No Identifiable Posterior Fat Pad on Lateral Radiographs: A Case Series.

Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is used to evaluate the injured pediatric elbow. Standard of care, however, remains radiography. POCUS performed in the setting of normal radiographs have been obtained may demonstrate radiologic occult lipohemarthrosis indicative of occult fracture. We reviewed our pediatric emergency department (PED) POCUS archive for lipohemarthrosis, and then isolated those cases with normal elbow radiography. Radiography was deemed to be normal per the interpretation of the treating PED physician, and was reviewed for this series by an experienced ABR board certified pediatric radiologist. Fracture on POCUS was defined as fracture line or lipohemarthrosis in a posterior sagittal or transverse view of the distal humerus. Fracture was confirmed by signs of cortical healing on follow-up radiography, or clinical course consistent with fracture as documented by an orthopedist. We identified four children with elbow fractures who had no fracture line or elevated posterior fat pad on radiography but demonstrated lipohemarthrosis on POCUS. POCUS may elicit evidence of fracture even after normal radiography, and POCUS findings suggesting occult fracture may allow for more effective guidance on discharge.

Floating-Variant Medial Elbow Dislocation: A New Classification System.

Floating-variant elbow dislocation is a newly updated term used to describe several associations of fractures around the elbow and elbow dislocation that are still not adequately classified due to their rarity. Being extremely rare, only a handful of case reports are found in the literature describing this condition. Most of these papers described cases associated with the posterior or posterolateral direction of elbow dislocation, wherein each author has treated the fracture differently. The decision of surgical treatment, the order of fixation, the material used, and the need for ligamentous repair are all questions that are yet to be answered. We present herein a unique new variant of floating medial elbow dislocation in a 13-year-old female that was successfully treated by closed reduction of the elbow, open reduction of the distal humerus fracture, and orthopedic treatment of the radial shaft fracture.

A Case Report of Closed Reduction of Anterior Transolecranon Fracture Dislocation of Elbow in a Pediatric Patient.

Introduction: Anterior transolecranon fracture dislocation of the elbow is rarely found in pediatric patients, with very few cases reported till now, and very less literature available on its management. Case Report: We hereby present a rare case of trauma to the left elbow in a 9-year-old female child who sustained anterior transolecranon dislocation without neurovascular deficit. Such fracture dislocations are managed usually by surgical methods with or without osteosynthesis. However, we present a report of closed reduction of the condition with good clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Closed reduction can be a safe method of treatment of anterior dislocation of the elbow if no neurovascular deficit is present. This case report aims to highlight this possible treatment method which in itself is unusual for this uncommon pediatric injury.

Fully displaced pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures: Which ones need to go at night?

Background: Challenges remain in determining which displaced supracondylar humerus fractures are safe to postpone surgical treatment until daylight hours. The purpose of this study is to determine which characteristics can be identified to guide the timing of treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures. Methods: 225 completely displaced Gartland extension type 3/4 supracondylar humerus fractures in healthy patients that presented between 6 am and 7 am were identified. Data were collected retrospectively. Data analysis included univariate, multivariable logistic regression and classification and regression tree analysis. Results: 5% (78/225) underwent surgical treatment the night they presented, while 65% (147/225) were treated the next day. Overall complication rate was 6%, with no difference based on timing of surgery. 12% (28/225) presented with a motor nerve injury, while 6% (14/225) a "pink pulseless" extremity. Statistical analysis found the most reliable radiographic predictor to be the maximum displacement on the anterior-posterior or lateral view. Classification and regression tree analysis developed a clinical algorithm; patients with a "pink pulseless" extremity or motor nerve injury were recommended for surgery overnight, while those with an anterior-posterior or lateral view < 25 mm were recommended for surgery the next day. Conclusion: This study provides guidance on the timing of treatment for displaced supracondylar humerus fractures that present overnight. We provide a simple algorithm with three key clinical predictors for timing of treatment: presence of a "pink pulseless" arm, presence of a motor nerve injury, and displacement of any cortex by at least 25 mm (anterior-posterior or lateral view). This provides a step forward to help practitioners make safer evidenced-based timing decisions for their patients. Level of evidence: Prognostic Study, Level II.

Gartland Type-IV Supracondylar Humeral Fractures: Preoperative Radiographic Features and a Hypothesis on Causation.

BACKGROUND: The diagnose of Gartland Type-IV (G-IV) supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHF) has been reported to only be possible via fluoroscopy intra-operatively. HYPOTHESIS: A preoperative radiographic fracture pattern can indicate a G-IV SCHF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective qualitative analysis of radiographs and reduction techniques used in twenty-seven GIV SCHF. RESULTS: Anterior-posterior radiographs demonstrated lateral translation or angulation in 21 cases (valgus type) and medial translation or angulation in 6 cases (varus type). In spite of a complete cortical disruption, lateral radiographs showed that the distal fragment was vertically aligned with the proximal fragment. Reduction was achieved in semi-extension, via supination in valgus type fracture and pronation for varus type fractures. DISCUSSION: Our conjecture is that a trauma vector in the coronal plane would result in a near-circumferential periosteal disruption, with which either a medial or lateral periosteal hinge remains. The distal fragment would be vertically aligned in lateral radiographs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; Diagnostic.

Use of Corrective Ulnar Osteotomy and Radial Head Relocation Into Preserved Annular Ligament in the Treatment of Radiocapitellar Instability Secondary to Pediatric Chronic Monteggia Fracture-Dislocation.

PURPOSE: Opening-wedge osteotomy of the ulna restores normal ulnar length and corrects the angulation of the ulna in patients with chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocations. In addition, this eases the reduction of the radial head. Morbidity caused by annular ligament reconstruction surgery can be prevented by preserving the intact annular ligament. After dilatation and mobilization of the annular ligament, reduction of the radial head can be accomplished. This study evaluated the effectiveness of corrective opening-wedge ulnar osteotomy and radial head relocation into the intact annular ligament in the treatment of radiocapitellar instability secondary to pediatric chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocation. METHODS: Fourteen patients diagnosed with radial head dislocation associated with plastic deformation of the ulna or ulnar fracture were included in the study. Radiologic and clinical results of these patients who underwent corrective ulnar osteotomy and radial head relocation into an intact annular ligament were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients at the time of injury was 7.4 years (range, 3 years to 12 years). The average time between the injury and surgery was 19.1 months (median, 8 months; range, 3 months to 66 months); the average follow-up period was 28.7 months (range, 12 months to 60 months). The mean Kim score was 69.6 (range, 50 to 75) preoperatively and 92.9 (60 to 100) at last follow-up. According to Kim score, the results were considered excellent in 12 cases and poor in 2 cases. Radial head subluxation recurred in 2 separate cases. In addition, chondrolysis changes were seen in 1 case. Reduction loss and osteoarthritic changes in the radiocapitellar joint were considered poor results in follow-up radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: Corrective ulnar osteotomy and relocating the radial head into the intact annular ligament can be safely used for treating chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocation cases without radial head and capitellum deformity. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.