Abstract

Aim: To investigate the outcome of open reduetion and internal fixation of fraetures of the lateral humeral condyle. Methods: Between January 1995 and December 2002, 123 displaced (Jakob-Fouules types 2 and 3) humeral lateral condyle fraetures were treated by open reduetion and internal fixation with K wires through a lateral approach to the elbow. All of the cases were operated within 6 hours after hospitalization. 16 patients who were lost during postoperative period were excluded and the study group included 107 displaced fractures. In the last control, range of motion and carrying angle were measured with goniometre for each elbow, and anteroposterior, and lateral roentgenogram of affected side were obtained. The end results were classified on the basis of the clinical grading system. For data analysıs, SPSS version 10.0 packet statistic programme were used. Results: There were 65.4% boys, 34.6% girls and 51.4% left-side 48.6% right-side injuries. The mean age of the patients was 5.7±2.9 (1-14) years, mean hospitalization period was 5.3±2.8 (1-19) days and the mean follow-up period was 66.9±29.8 (20-115) months. 15.9% wide surgical scar, 10.3% lateral spur formation, 10.3% delayed union, 8.4% aseptic necrosis, 4.7% cubitus varus, 1.8%o süperficial infection, 0.9% pseudoartrosis+cubitus valgus were found; whereas, there was no deep infection and neurovascular complication seen. According to the clinical grading system used, the procedure yielded excellent results in 81.3%), good in 11.2%o, fair in 4.7%o and poor in 2.8%o of the patients. Conclusion: It is shown that open reduction and two Kirschner wires fixation is an effective and safe surgical treatment modality for Jakob-Fowles types 2 and 3 fractures and can be used with high success.