FRACTURES OF THE CAPITELLUM IN ADOLESCENTS

Fractures of the capitellum are rare in children. The treatment of the se injuries has been controversial. At a major pediatric trauma center , seven capitellar fractures were seen in children between 1988 and 19 94. The average age of the children was 14.7 years (range, 11-17). Six of these fractures were type I injuries, with large anterosuperior fr agments that required operative reduction and internal fixation in fiv e cases. Internal fixation methods used were K wires in three patients , Herbert screws in one patient, and cannulated screws in one patient. The remaining type I fracture was treated with a closed reduction. Th e seventh fracture was a type II fracture, treated nonoperatively. Fiv e children did well with their respective treatments, but one required reoperation to remove an exostosis block to flexion. Accurate open re duction and internal fixation for the displaced capitellar fracture in children is an effective treatment to restore normal elbow function.