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Lateral Condyle Fractures - Pediatric

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Lateral Condyle Fractures - Pediatric

Comprehensive exam-ready guide to pediatric lateral condyle fractures - Milch/Weiss classification, ORIF indications, nonunion/malunion management

complete
Updated: 2025-12-17
High Yield Overview

LATERAL CONDYLE FRACTURES - PEDIATRIC

Intra-Articular | Nonunion Risk | ORIF Often Required

15%Of pediatric elbow fractures
6yPeak age
2mmDisplacement threshold
HighNonunion risk

WEISS/JAKOB CLASSIFICATION

Type I
PatternLess than 2mm displacement, articular hinge intact
TreatmentLong arm cast, close follow-up
Type II
Pattern2-4mm displacement or rotation
TreatmentORIF with K-wires
Type III
PatternDisplaced greater than 4mm, articular surface disrupted
TreatmentORIF with K-wires

Critical Must-Knows

  • INTRA-ARTICULAR fracture (elbow and wrist joint)
  • Greater than 2mm displacement = surgical indication
  • High risk of nonunion due to synovial fluid bathing fracture
  • Late complications: nonunion, malunion, cubitus valgus, tardy ulnar nerve palsy
  • Lateral approach - do NOT dissect posterior (blood supply)

Examiner's Pearls

  • "
    Milch Type I = Salter-Harris IV (lateral to trochlear ridge)
  • "
    Milch Type II = Salter-Harris II (through trochlear ridge, unstable)
  • "
    Nonunion causes lateral spur and cubitus valgus
  • "
    Tardy ulnar nerve palsy occurs years later due to valgus

Clinical Imaging

Imaging Gallery

Preoperative anteroposterior radiograph of the elbow revealing fracture lateral condyle in association with posterolateral dislocation of elbow.
Click to expand
Preoperative anteroposterior radiograph of the elbow revealing fracture lateral condyle in association with posterolateral dislocation of elbow.Credit: Sharma H et al. via BMC Musculoskelet Disord via Open-i (NIH) (Open Access (CC BY))
Preoperative lateral radiograph of the elbow revealing elbow dislocation.
Click to expand
Preoperative lateral radiograph of the elbow revealing elbow dislocation.Credit: Sharma H et al. via BMC Musculoskelet Disord via Open-i (NIH) (Open Access (CC BY))
Postoperative anteroposterior radiograph of the elbow revealing internal fixation of the lateral condyle fracture with the help of 2 K-wires. The elbow dislocation was reduced first by closed techniqu
Click to expand
Postoperative anteroposterior radiograph of the elbow revealing internal fixation of the lateral condyle fracture with the help of 2 K-wires. The elboCredit: Sharma H et al. via BMC Musculoskelet Disord via Open-i (NIH) (Open Access (CC BY))
Postoperative lateral radiograph of the elbow revealing internal fixation of the lateral condyle fracture with the help of 2 K-wires.
Click to expand
Postoperative lateral radiograph of the elbow revealing internal fixation of the lateral condyle fracture with the help of 2 K-wires.Credit: Sharma H et al. via BMC Musculoskelet Disord via Open-i (NIH) (Open Access (CC BY))

Critical Exam Concepts

Intra-Articular Fracture

Crosses the articular surface. Unlike supracondylar, this is an intra-articular fracture. Anatomic reduction required to prevent degenerative changes and angular deformity.

The 2mm Rule

Greater than 2mm displacement = ORIF. Less than 2mm can be treated non-operatively but needs close follow-up (can displace in cast). Some advocate surgery for greater than 2mm on any view.

High Nonunion Risk

Synovial fluid prevents healing. Fracture bathed in synovial fluid from elbow joint. Combined with pull of extensor origin, high risk of nonunion. This is why surgery is often needed.

Tardy Ulnar Nerve Palsy

Delayed complication of cubitus valgus. Nonunion causes lateral spur and progressive valgus. Ulnar nerve is stretched over time. May present years later with ulnar neuropathy.

Quick Decision Guide

TypeDisplacementArticular StepTreatment
Weiss Type ILess than 2mmIntact cartilage hingeCast, weekly XR for 3 weeks
Weiss Type II2-4mmGap but some contactORIF with K-wires
Weiss Type IIIGreater than 4mmComplete articular disruptionORIF with K-wires
Mnemonic

1 OUT, 2 THROUGHMilch Classification

1
Type I = Lateral to trochlear ridge
Elbow is stable (Salter-Harris IV)
2
Type II = Through trochlear ridge
Elbow potentially unstable (Salter-Harris II)

Memory Hook:Type 1 stays OUT (lateral), Type 2 goes THROUGH (trochlear ridge)

Mnemonic

NUTSLateral Condyle Complications

N
Nonunion
Most common serious complication due to synovial fluid
U
Ulnar nerve palsy (tardy)
Delayed onset due to progressive cubitus valgus
T
Tilted (cubitus valgus)
Angular deformity from lateral physeal arrest
S
Stiffness
From prolonged immobilization or malunion

Memory Hook:Don't go NUTS - treat lateral condyle fractures properly!

Mnemonic

STAY ANTERIORSurgical Approach

S
Stay anterior and lateral
Lateral Kocher approach
A
Avoid posterior dissection
Posterior blood supply to fragment

Memory Hook:STAY ANTERIOR - blood supply from posterior, don't strip it!

Overview and Epidemiology

Why This Fracture Matters

The lateral condyle fracture is the second most common pediatric elbow fracture (after supracondylar) but has a higher complication rate. It is intra-articular, prone to nonunion, and can lead to progressive cubitus valgus and tardy ulnar nerve palsy.

Epidemiology

  • 15% of pediatric elbow fractures
  • Second only to supracondylar
  • Peak age 5-7 years
  • Slight male predominance
  • Usually fall onto outstretched hand

Anatomy Involved

  • Lateral condyle (capitellum + part of lateral trochlea)
  • Extends through articular surface
  • Physis involved (Salter-Harris pattern)
  • Lateral collateral ligament attaches to fragment

Anatomy and Biomechanics

Blood Supply - Do Not Strip Posterior

The blood supply to the lateral condyle enters posteriorly. During ORIF, do NOT dissect or strip the soft tissues from the posterior aspect of the fragment. Use an anterior/lateral approach and visualize the articular surface from the front.

Key Anatomical Points

The lateral condyle includes:

  • Capitellum (articulates with radial head)
  • Lateral portion of trochlea (variable extent)
  • Lateral epicondyle (common extensor origin)

Blood supply: Enters posteriorly. The fragment has NO anterior blood supply once fractured. Protect posterior soft tissues during surgery.

Deforming forces: Extensor muscles (attached to lateral epicondyle) pull the fragment distally and rotate it, causing displacement.

Fracture Configuration

The fracture line runs:

  • Through the lateral metaphysis
  • Across the physis (usually posterolaterally)
  • Into the articular surface of the trochlea/capitellum

Classification based on exit point: Milch Type I exits lateral to trochlear ridge (stable). Milch Type II exits through trochlear ridge (potentially unstable).

Classification Systems

Weiss/Jakob Classification (Most Clinically Useful)

TypeDisplacementDescriptionTreatment
Type ILess than 2mmMinimally displaced, cartilage hinge intactLong arm cast 90°, weekly XR x3
Type II2-4mmPartial articular disruption, some contactORIF with K-wires
Type IIIGreater than 4mmComplete displacement, no articular contactORIF with K-wires

This classification is more practical for guiding treatment than Milch.

Milch Classification (Anatomical)

TypeFracture ExitEquivalentStability
Type ILateral to trochlear ridgeSalter-Harris IVElbow stable
Type IIThrough trochlear ridgeSalter-Harris IIElbow potentially unstable

Type II is more common. The trochlear ridge is the key landmark. If the fracture exits through it, the ulnohumeral articulation may be unstable.

Clinical Assessment

History

  • Fall mechanism (FOOSH with varus stress)
  • Time since injury
  • Any swelling or deformity
  • Neurovascular symptoms
  • Previous elbow injury

Examination

  • Lateral elbow swelling and tenderness
  • Ecchymosis (may be extensive)
  • Full neurovascular exam
  • Check elbow stability (compare to opposite)
  • ROM likely limited by pain

Differential Diagnosis

In young children, the lateral condyle may not be ossified (appears around age 1-2). An effusion (fat pad sign) with lateral tenderness but no visible fracture on X-ray suggests an occult lateral condyle fracture. Consider MRI or arthrogram, or treat as a fracture and follow closely.

Investigations

Radiological Investigations

ViewWhat to CheckKey Finding
AP elbowFragment size and displacementMeasure gap on AP
Lateral elbowRotation of fragmentFragment often rotates posteriorly
Internal obliqueBetter visualization of fracture45° internal rotation
Comparison viewsOpposite elbowHelps in young children

Internal oblique view is particularly helpful as it places the fracture line in profile.

MRI and Arthrography

When to consider:

  • Occult fracture suspected (effusion but no visible fracture)
  • Cartilage extent of fracture unclear
  • To assess articular congruity

Arthrogram: Contrast into elbow joint can outline cartilage extent. Useful intraoperatively or to clarify displacement.

Management

📊 Management Algorithm
lateral condyle fractures pediatric management algorithm
Click to expand
Management algorithm for lateral condyle fractures pediatricCredit: OrthoVellum

Greater than 2mm = ORIF

The threshold for surgery is greater than 2mm displacement. Some authors are more aggressive and operate on any fracture greater than 2mm on ANY view. Non-operative fractures need weekly X-rays for 3 weeks as they can displace in cast.

Non-Operative Management (Weiss Type I)

Indications: Displacement less than 2mm, intact cartilage hinge.

Treatment: Long arm cast in 90 degrees elbow flexion.

Follow-up: Weekly X-rays for first 3 weeks. If any displacement occurs, convert to ORIF.

Duration: Cast for 4-6 weeks until union confirmed.

Key point: Close follow-up is mandatory. Up to 20% of initially non-displaced fractures may displace.

Operative Management (Weiss Type II-III)

Indication: Displacement greater than 2mm or any rotation of fragment.

Approach: Lateral/Kocher approach. STAY ANTERIOR. Do NOT dissect posteriorly (blood supply).

Technique: Open reduction through direct visualization. Reduce articular surface anatomically. Fix with 2 smooth K-wires (divergent). Check reduction under fluoro.

Post-op: Long arm cast for 4-6 weeks. Remove pins at 4 weeks if union proceeding.

Screws vs K-wires

Traditional fixation is with smooth K-wires to avoid physeal injury. Some surgeons use a cannulated screw in older children (near skeletal maturity) for more stable fixation. Screws should NOT cross the physis in young children.

Surgical Technique Considerations

ORIF Technique for Lateral Condyle

Position: Supine with arm on hand table.

Approach: Lateral/Kocher interval between anconeus and ECU.

Critical step: Visualize the articular surface from ANTERIOR. Do NOT strip soft tissues from posterior fragment.

Reduction: Reduce articular surface anatomically. The metaphyseal reduction usually follows.

Fixation: Two smooth K-wires, usually 1.6mm. Divergent configuration. Cross fracture site but avoid olecranon fossa.

Percutaneous Pinning

When appropriate: Minimally displaced fractures where surgeon concerned about displacement but reduction adequate.

Technique: Fluoro-guided pin placement. Two pins from lateral epicondyle directed proximally and medially.

Limitation: Cannot visualize articular reduction directly. Best reserved for near-anatomic alignment.

Complications

Complications of Pediatric Lateral Condyle Fractures

ComplicationIncidenceCauseManagement
NonunionMost seriousSynovial fluid, inadequate fixationORIF if early, osteotomy if late
Cubitus valgusCommon with nonunionLateral physeal arrestOsteotomy if symptomatic
Tardy ulnar nerve palsyDelayed (years)Progressive valgus stretches nerveUlnar nerve transposition
StiffnessCommonProlonged immobilizationPhysiotherapy, rarely need release
AVNRarePosterior soft tissue strippingPrevention - protect blood supply
MalunionWith late reductionMissed or delayed diagnosisOsteotomy if functional limitation

Tardy Ulnar Nerve Palsy

Tardy ulnar nerve palsy is a delayed complication occurring years after the original injury. It develops because nonunion leads to cubitus valgus, which progressively stretches the ulnar nerve around the medial epicondyle. Treatment is ulnar nerve transposition (often anterior subcutaneous) and may require corrective osteotomy.

Postoperative Care

Post-Operative Protocol

Day 0-1Immediate Post-Op

Long arm backslab in 90 degrees elbow flexion. Neurovascular checks. Elevate and ice.

Week 1-2First Follow-Up

Check wound and pin sites. X-ray to confirm maintained reduction. Convert to long arm cast.

Week 4Assess Union

X-ray to assess healing. If good callus, may remove pins (in clinic). Continue cast.

Week 6Cast Removal

X-ray confirms union. Remove cast. Begin active ROM exercises. Avoid passive stretching.

Month 3-6Recovery

Full return to activities. Final check of motion, alignment, carrying angle. Follow long-term if any concern.

Outcomes and Prognosis

Prognosis Depends on Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment

Good outcomes when:

  • Fracture recognized early
  • Displacement greater than 2mm treated surgically
  • Anatomic articular reduction achieved
  • Union confirmed before discharge from follow-up

Poor outcomes when:

  • Diagnosis delayed
  • Fracture displaces in cast and missed
  • Nonunion develops

Special Considerations

Management of Nonunion

Early nonunion (less than 3-6 months): ORIF with bone grafting still possible. Better outcomes than late reconstruction.

Established nonunion (greater than 6 months): In situ fixation with bone grafting or corrective osteotomy. The nonunion may be too sclerotic for direct healing without osteotomy.

Late nonunion with cubitus valgus: May require supracondylar osteotomy for angular correction plus ulnar nerve transposition.

Cubitus Valgus Management

Cause: Lateral condyle nonunion leads to lateral physeal arrest with continuation of medial growth.

Progressive valgus stretches ulnar nerve leading to tardy ulnar nerve palsy.

Treatment: Supracondylar or distal humeral osteotomy to correct carrying angle. Ulnar nerve transposition if neuropathy present.

Late Presenting Fractures

Challenge: Fragment may be fibrosed in displaced position.

Less than 3 weeks: Still reasonable to attempt ORIF.

Greater than 3-4 weeks: In situ fixation may be considered if functional limitation, but outcomes less predictable.

Much later: Better to accept position and address deformity if it develops.

Evidence Base and Key Studies

Bauer et al. - Lateral Condyle Fractures

4
Bauer et al. • J Pediatr Orthop (2004)
Key Findings:
  • Reviewed outcomes of pediatric lateral condyle fractures
  • Greater than 2mm displacement associated with higher nonunion rate
  • ORIF for displaced fractures yielded good outcomes
  • Close follow-up essential for non-op cases
Clinical Implication: The 2mm threshold is supported by outcome data. Displaced fractures need ORIF.
Limitation: Retrospective; variable follow-up.

Jakob et al. - Classification and Treatment

5
Jakob et al. • J Pediatr Orthop (1975)
Key Findings:
  • Described the Weiss/Jakob classification
  • Type I can be treated non-operatively
  • Type II-III require ORIF
  • Emphasized importance of weekly XR follow-up
Clinical Implication: Classification guides treatment - Type I vs Type II-III is the key distinction.
Limitation: Original descriptive paper.

Dhillon et al. - Nonunion Management

4
Dhillon et al. • J Pediatr Orthop (2012)
Key Findings:
  • Outcomes of late presenting lateral condyle fractures
  • Early intervention better than late
  • In situ fixation can be considered for late cases
  • Cubitus valgus correction may be needed
Clinical Implication: Early fixation of nonunion is better. Late cases may need staged reconstruction.
Limitation: Small numbers; single center.

Hasler et al. - K-wire vs Screw Fixation

3
Hasler et al. • J Pediatr Orthop (2007)
Key Findings:
  • Compared K-wire and screw fixation
  • Both methods effective
  • K-wires preferred in young children (physis open)
  • Screws may be used in older children
Clinical Implication: K-wires remain standard in young children; screws may be considered near skeletal maturity.
Limitation: Non-randomized.

Tejwani et al. - Tardy Ulnar Nerve Palsy

5
Tejwani et al. • J Am Acad Orthop Surg (2006)
Key Findings:
  • Review of tardy ulnar nerve palsy mechanism
  • Progressive cubitus valgus stretches nerve
  • Treatment is anterior transposition
  • May need osteotomy for valgus correction
Clinical Implication: Prevent tardy ulnar palsy by treating lateral condyle fractures properly initially.
Limitation: Review article.

Exam Viva Scenarios

Practice these scenarios to excel in your viva examination

VIVA SCENARIOStandard

Scenario 1: Displaced Lateral Condyle Fracture

EXAMINER

"A 6-year-old child presents after a fall with lateral elbow pain and swelling. X-rays show a lateral condyle fracture with 3mm displacement. How would you manage this?"

EXCEPTIONAL ANSWER
This is a displaced lateral condyle fracture in a 6-year-old child. With 3mm displacement, this falls into the Weiss Type II category, which requires operative management. The key principle here is that this is an intra-articular fracture, and displacement greater than 2mm is associated with nonunion and malunion. My management would be to take this child to the operating room for open reduction and internal fixation. The approach is a lateral Kocher approach. Critically, I would stay anterior and NOT strip soft tissues from the posterior aspect of the fragment as the blood supply enters posteriorly. I would directly visualize the articular surface to confirm anatomic reduction. I would fix with 2 divergent smooth K-wires, typically 1.6mm, crossing the fracture but avoiding the olecranon fossa. Post-operatively, I would apply a long arm backslab in 90 degrees elbow flexion. I would follow up at 1 week to check the wound and confirm maintained reduction on X-ray. I would remove wires at around 4 weeks and continue cast until 6 weeks when union should be confirmed. I would explain to the family that this fracture has a risk of nonunion due to the synovial environment, and that close follow-up is important. Long-term, I would monitor for cubitus valgus and tardy ulnar nerve palsy.
KEY POINTS TO SCORE
3mm displacement = Weiss Type II = ORIF
Intra-articular fracture, anatomic reduction required
Lateral approach, do NOT strip posterior soft tissues
Fix with 2 divergent K-wires
Monitor for nonunion and cubitus valgus
COMMON TRAPS
✗Attempting non-operative treatment for 3mm displacement
✗Stripping posterior soft tissues (AVN risk)
✗Using screws across physis in young child
✗Not warning about nonunion risk
✗Not planning appropriate follow-up
LIKELY FOLLOW-UPS
"What if this was a 14-year-old?"
"How would you manage a nonunion presenting at 6 months?"
"What is tardy ulnar nerve palsy?"
VIVA SCENARIOChallenging

Scenario 2: Late Presentation Nonunion

EXAMINER

"A 10-year-old presents 4 months after a fall. He was treated at another hospital with casting. He now has an established nonunion of the lateral condyle with 15 degrees of cubitus valgus. There is no ulnar nerve dysfunction. How would you manage this?"

EXCEPTIONAL ANSWER
This is an established lateral condyle nonunion presenting 4 months after injury with 15 degrees of cubitus valgus but no ulnar nerve symptoms. This is a challenging scenario. My assessment would include a thorough clinical examination including carrying angle (comparing to opposite side), range of motion, and ulnar nerve function (intrinsics, sensation). I would obtain X-rays and possibly CT to assess the nonunion site, any sclerosis, and the degree of malunion. My management options include: 1) In situ fixation with bone grafting if the fragment can be reduced without excessive manipulation - this may require opening the nonunion site, removing fibrous tissue, and grafting. 2) If the fragment is fibrosed in a significantly malpositioned location and the articular surface cannot be restored, I might accept the position and address only the angular deformity with a supracondylar osteotomy later if needed. At 15 degrees of valgus without ulnar symptoms, I would counsel the family that the deformity is likely to progress slightly as the child grows due to lateral physeal arrest. I would monitor for tardy ulnar nerve palsy, which may take years to develop. If the family is very concerned about the valgus, supracondylar corrective osteotomy could be considered. Currently, with no functional limitation and no nerve symptoms, I would favour observation with regular follow-up. I would explain that ulnar nerve transposition might be needed in the future if symptoms develop.
KEY POINTS TO SCORE
4 months = established nonunion
Options: in situ fixation or accept and address deformity later
15° valgus with no ulnar symptoms = can observe
Monitor for progressive valgus and tardy ulnar nerve palsy
May need supracondylar osteotomy and/or nerve transposition later
COMMON TRAPS
✗Aggressive open reduction that risks AVN
✗Not counseling about progressive valgus
✗Forgetting about tardy ulnar nerve palsy
✗Promising full correction of deformity
✗Not comparing to opposite side
LIKELY FOLLOW-UPS
"What if there was ulnar nerve dysfunction?"
"What is your threshold for supracondylar osteotomy?"
"How would you manage if the nonunion was only 3 weeks old?"
VIVA SCENARIOStandard

Scenario 3: Minimally Displaced Fracture - Non-Op

EXAMINER

"A 5-year-old child presents with a lateral condyle fracture with 1.5mm displacement on the AP view and no displacement on the lateral view. How would you manage this?"

EXCEPTIONAL ANSWER
This is a Weiss Type I lateral condyle fracture with less than 2mm displacement. In principle, this can be managed non-operatively, but close follow-up is mandatory because up to 20% of these fractures can displace in cast. My management would be to apply a long arm cast in 90 degrees elbow flexion. I would arrange weekly X-rays for at least the first 3 weeks. If there is any displacement beyond 2mm on follow-up, I would convert to operative management. I would counsel the family that while we are managing this without surgery initially, there is a risk the fracture may displace in the cast and require an operation. At 3 weeks, if the fracture remains in acceptable position, I would continue the cast until 5-6 weeks when we would X-ray to confirm union. I would explain the importance of attending all follow-up appointments. The reason for this vigilance is that nonunion and malunion of lateral condyle fractures can lead to serious late complications including cubitus valgus and tardy ulnar nerve palsy.
KEY POINTS TO SCORE
1.5mm = Weiss Type I = can try non-operative
Long arm cast in 90° flexion
Weekly X-rays for first 3 weeks mandatory
Convert to ORIF if displaces beyond 2mm
Explain risk of displacement to family
COMMON TRAPS
✗Not arranging weekly X-ray follow-up
✗Not warning about displacement risk (up to 20%)
✗Not converting to surgery if it displaces
✗Discharging too early before confirming healing
✗Not explaining consequences of missed displacement
LIKELY FOLLOW-UPS
"What if it displaces?"
"Would your management differ if this was 3mm?"
"What are the long-term complications of untreated lateral condyle fractures?"

MCQ Practice Points

Displacement Threshold Question

Q: What is the displacement threshold for ORIF of pediatric lateral condyle fractures? A: 2mm. Greater than 2mm displacement, or any rotation of the fragment, requires ORIF. Less than 2mm can be treated non-operatively with close follow-up.

Classification Question

Q: In the Milch classification, what distinguishes Type I from Type II lateral condyle fractures? A: Exit point relative to trochlear ridge. Type I exits LATERAL to the trochlear ridge (elbow stable). Type II exits THROUGH the trochlear ridge (elbow potentially unstable). Type II is more common.

Blood Supply Question

Q: Why should posterior soft tissue stripping be avoided during ORIF of lateral condyle fractures? A: Blood supply enters posteriorly. The blood supply to the lateral condyle fragment comes from posterior. Stripping posterior soft tissues risks avascular necrosis.

Nonunion Cause Question

Q: Why is lateral condyle fracture at high risk of nonunion? A: Synovial fluid bathes the fracture. The intra-articular location means synovial fluid prevents hematoma formation and bone healing. This is compounded by the deforming force of the extensor muscles.

Tardy Ulnar Nerve Question

Q: What is tardy ulnar nerve palsy and how does it relate to lateral condyle fractures? A: Delayed ulnar neuropathy due to progressive cubitus valgus. Nonunion leads to lateral physeal arrest and valgus deformity, which stretches the ulnar nerve over years. Treatment is transposition.

Fixation Question

Q: What is the standard fixation for pediatric lateral condyle fractures? A: 2 divergent smooth K-wires. This avoids physeal damage. Screws may be considered in older children near skeletal maturity.

Australian Context

Clinical Practice

  • Common pediatric elbow fracture
  • Most tertiary centers manage these
  • ORIF is standard for displaced fractures
  • K-wire fixation is the norm

Follow-Up

  • Close follow-up emphasized for non-op cases
  • Weekly X-rays for first 3 weeks
  • Long-term monitoring for angular deformity
  • Patient education about tardy ulnar palsy

LATERAL CONDYLE FRACTURES - PEDIATRIC

High-Yield Exam Summary

Key Facts

  • •15% of pediatric elbow fractures (2nd most common)
  • •INTRA-ARTICULAR fracture
  • •High nonunion risk (synovial fluid)
  • •Blood supply from posterior - do NOT strip

Management

  • •Less than 2mm: cast with weekly XR
  • •Greater than 2mm: ORIF
  • •Fix with 2 divergent K-wires
  • •Lateral approach, stay ANTERIOR

Classification

  • •Weiss I: less than 2mm - non-op
  • •Weiss II: 2-4mm - ORIF
  • •Weiss III: greater than 4mm - ORIF
  • •Milch I: lateral to trochlear ridge

Complications - NUTS

  • •Nonunion (most common serious)
  • •Ulnar nerve palsy (tardy - years later)
  • •Tilted (cubitus valgus)
  • •Stiffness

Key Surgical Points

  • •Lateral approach, stay ANTERIOR
  • •Visualize articular surface
  • •2 divergent smooth K-wires
  • •Do NOT strip posterior soft tissues
Quick Stats
Reading Time70 min
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