A new technique for treatment of a non-union of a lateral humeral condyle

We present the case of a 4 year old boy who presented with a displaced late ral humeral condyle fracture which was treated within 24 h with open reduct ion and internal fixation with two Kirschner wires. Four weeks post-operati vely the patient developed a superficial infection at the pin sites, which settled following removal of the wires. It was noted on subsequent follow u p that he had a limited range of motion with an extension block of approx. 20 degrees. On follow up over the following year it became evident that thi s patient had developed a non-union of the lateral humeral condyle which wa s giving rise to a limited range of motion and discomfort (Fig. 1). This wa s subsequently treated with a novel technique: percutaneous insertion of a cannulated lag screw across the fracture site (Fig. 2). At 18 months follow up the patient's fracture had proceeded to union and the patient had regai ned a full range of motion in his elbow (Fig. 3).