Possible Mechanism and Treatment Results of Combined Pediatric Fractures of the Humeral Lateral Condyle and Ipsilateral Ulnar Olecranon

Abstract

ObjectiveCombined fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus and the ipsilateral ulnar olecranon are rarely seen in children. Therefore, the mechanism and suitable treatments remain debatable. This study describes the possible mechanism of combined humeral lateral condyle and ipsilateral ulnar olecranon fractures and presents the treatment results.MethodsChildren diagnosed with combined fractures of the humeral lateral condyle and ipsilateralulnar olecranon from July 2010 to July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Humeral lateral condyle fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with bioabsorbable pins. Ulnar olecranon fractures were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning with K‐wires for Mayo type IA fractures and with tension‐band wiring or a locking plate for Mayo type IIA fractures. The postoperative function and appearance of the elbow were evaluated using the Flynn criteria and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) at follow‐up.ResultsThe cohort comprised 19 patients aged from 4 to 11 years. Bony compression and avulsion by attached muscles and ligaments may be the leading factors causing the combined injuries, as the children fell with an outstretched and supinated elbow. The average follow‐up time was 33 months. High MEPS of >90 indicated that good to excellent results were obtained without complications.ConclusionsThis study proposed a reasonable hypothesis for the mechanism of combined humeral lateral condyle and ipsilateral ulnar olecranon fractures in children. Satisfactory outcomes were achieved with bioabsorbable pins for lateral condyle fractures and closed reduction and percutaneous pinning with K‐wires, tension‐band wiring, or locking plate for olecranon fractures.