Treatment of the humeral lateral condyle fracture in children through the elbow arthroscopy / 中国医师进修杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effect of the treatment of humeral lateral condyle fracture in children through elbow arthroscopy. Method From July 2003 to May 2008, 128 children with humeral lateral condyle fracture were randomly divided into open reduction group and arthroscopy group, each group of 64 cases. Results All 128 children received 12-24 months of follow up, with average of (18.07 ± 5.63) months. In arthroscopy group, the blood loss averaged(34.6 ± 9.1) ml, incision length of(0.98 ± 0.20) cm, and after the first 3 days the VAS was(3.99 ± 1.33) scores. However, in open reduction group, the blood loss averaged (109.9 ± 18.9) ml, incision length of (5.38 ± 1.30) cm, and the VAS was (7.03 ± 2.80) scores. All those in arthroscopy group were much better than those in open reduction group,the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01 or < 0.05). According to Mayo score, the total fine rate was 85.9%(55/64) in open reduction group, and 98.4%(63/64) in arthroscopy group (P<0.05). About in the incidence of postoperative complications,there were 8 cases of delayed healing, S cases of inside inversion or outside eversion elbow varus deformity, 9 cases of pin tract infection in open reduction group. However there were 1 cage of delayed healing, 2 cases of inside inversion and outside eversion elbow varus deformity, 1 case of pin tract infection in arthroscopy group(P< 0.01). Conclusion Arthroscopy operation has the advantages of the small incision, reset reduction accurate, less complications ,and is an effective method of treating the lateral condyle fractures in children.