Prevention of growth disturbances after fractures of the lateral humeral condyle in children

Growth disturbances after fractures of the lateral condyle of the distal hu merus in children present mostly as transient stimulation of the lateral ph ysis. Clinically lateral condylar overgrowth leads to a radial bony promine nce and varisation of the elbow. From 1974 to 1994, 66 fractures were prosp ectively diagnosed with standard roentgenograms and treated by open reducti on and internal fixation with a metaphyscal lag screw in case of displaceme nt. Fifty-four patients (82%) were reviewed with an average length of follo w-up of 10 years (range, 2-22 years) to assess all sequelae of growth distu rbances. Screw osteoynthesis led to anatomical union, symmetric carrying an gles and full range of motion in all 27 operated cases, and proved to preve nt stimulating growth disturbances contrary to the common but relatively un stable fixation with Kirschner wires.