Operative Treatment of the Capitellar Fracture of the Humerus

Kang, Ho Jung; Shin, Sang Jin; Kim, Hyoung Sik; Kang, Eung Shick

Abstract

PURPOSE: The capitellar fractures of the humerus are rare. Furthermore, the treatment of the fracture has been controversial. This study presents the experience in the operative treatment of capitellar fractures of the humerus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eleven patients with an average age of 41.0 years (range, 15-76 years) were included in this study. The average length of follow-up was 13.6 months (range, 12-17 months). Type I fracture was noticed in ten patients and type III in one patient. Herbert screws, Kirschner wires, cancellous screw and miniscrew were used for internal fixation. The postoperative immobilization period averaged 6.7 days (range, 3-10 days).
RESULTS
Flexion of the elbow averaged 135 degrees (range, 100-150 degrees), with an average flexion contracture of 17 degrees (range, 5-45 degrees). Supination averaged 83 degrees (range, 20-90 degrees) and pronation averaged 87 degrees (range, 80-90 degrees). Seven patients had an excellent functional results, two good and two fair according to Broberg and Morrey elbow-rating scale. The complications included loosening of Kirschner's wires in two patients, osteochondral loose body in one, nonunion and heterotopic ossification in one and severe limitation of motion in one.
CONCLUSION
The early motion of the elbow joint after anatomical reduction and internal fixation for the displaced capitellar fracture is an effective treatment in restoring normal elbow function.