LATERAL CONDYLE FRACTURES - PEDIATRIC
Intra-Articular | Nonunion Risk | ORIF Often Required
WEISS/JAKOB CLASSIFICATION
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




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
| Type | Displacement | Articular Step | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weiss Type I | Less than 2mm | Intact cartilage hinge | Cast, weekly XR for 3 weeks |
| Weiss Type II | 2-4mm | Gap but some contact | ORIF with K-wires |
| Weiss Type III | Greater than 4mm | Complete articular disruption | ORIF with K-wires |
1 OUT, 2 THROUGHMilch Classification
Memory Hook:Type 1 stays OUT (lateral), Type 2 goes THROUGH (trochlear ridge)
NUTSLateral Condyle Complications
Memory Hook:Don't go NUTS - treat lateral condyle fractures properly!
STAY ANTERIORSurgical Approach
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.
Classification Systems
Weiss/Jakob Classification (Most Clinically Useful)
| Type | Displacement | Description | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | Less than 2mm | Minimally displaced, cartilage hinge intact | Long arm cast 90°, weekly XR x3 |
| Type II | 2-4mm | Partial articular disruption, some contact | ORIF with K-wires |
| Type III | Greater than 4mm | Complete displacement, no articular contact | ORIF with K-wires |
This classification is more practical for guiding treatment than Milch.
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
| View | What to Check | Key Finding |
|---|---|---|
| AP elbow | Fragment size and displacement | Measure gap on AP |
| Lateral elbow | Rotation of fragment | Fragment often rotates posteriorly |
| Internal oblique | Better visualization of fracture | 45° internal rotation |
| Comparison views | Opposite elbow | Helps in young children |
Internal oblique view is particularly helpful as it places the fracture line in profile.
Management

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.
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.
Complications
Complications of Pediatric Lateral Condyle Fractures
| Complication | Incidence | Cause | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonunion | Most serious | Synovial fluid, inadequate fixation | ORIF if early, osteotomy if late |
| Cubitus valgus | Common with nonunion | Lateral physeal arrest | Osteotomy if symptomatic |
| Tardy ulnar nerve palsy | Delayed (years) | Progressive valgus stretches nerve | Ulnar nerve transposition |
| Stiffness | Common | Prolonged immobilization | Physiotherapy, rarely need release |
| AVN | Rare | Posterior soft tissue stripping | Prevention - protect blood supply |
| Malunion | With late reduction | Missed or delayed diagnosis | Osteotomy 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
Long arm backslab in 90 degrees elbow flexion. Neurovascular checks. Elevate and ice.
Check wound and pin sites. X-ray to confirm maintained reduction. Convert to long arm cast.
X-ray to assess healing. If good callus, may remove pins (in clinic). Continue cast.
X-ray confirms union. Remove cast. Begin active ROM exercises. Avoid passive stretching.
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.
Evidence Base and Key Studies
Bauer et al. - Lateral Condyle Fractures
- 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
Jakob et al. - Classification and Treatment
- Described the Weiss/Jakob classification
- Type I can be treated non-operatively
- Type II-III require ORIF
- Emphasized importance of weekly XR follow-up
Dhillon et al. - Nonunion Management
- 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
Hasler et al. - K-wire vs Screw Fixation
- Compared K-wire and screw fixation
- Both methods effective
- K-wires preferred in young children (physis open)
- Screws may be used in older children
Tejwani et al. - Tardy Ulnar Nerve Palsy
- Review of tardy ulnar nerve palsy mechanism
- Progressive cubitus valgus stretches nerve
- Treatment is anterior transposition
- May need osteotomy for valgus correction
Exam Viva Scenarios
Practice these scenarios to excel in your viva examination
Scenario 1: Displaced Lateral Condyle Fracture
"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?"
Scenario 2: Late Presentation Nonunion
"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?"
Scenario 3: Minimally Displaced Fracture - Non-Op
"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?"
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