Radiologic, clinical, and functional evaluation of children with lateral humeral condyle fractures using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire

Abstract

This study investigated the clinical and radiologic outcomes of lateral humeral condyle (LHC) fractures in children and evaluated the functional outcome of these injuries according to the type of treatment using the Quick DASH questionnaire. Data on consecutive children admitted to the Emergency Department for LHC fracture (01/11-12/18) were collected from their charts. Anteriorposterior and lateral radiographs of the injured elbow were used to classify each fracture according to Jakob's classification, and to detect any other concomitant bone lesions. Data on pain, stiffness, impact on daily activities, skin lesions, surgical-site infection, and range of motion were retrieved. The Quick DASH questionnaire was used to evaluate functional outcome. Forty-eight children with a mean age at trauma of 6.06 ± 2.22 years (32 males; mean follow-up: 75 ± 25 months) were reviewed. The overall Quick DASH score was 4 (0-15.9); it was 2.69 ± 0.31 in Jakob-1 (n = 12; 25%), 3 ± 1.06 in Jakob-2 (n = 19; 39.6%), and 3.06 ± 1.56 in Jakob-3 fractures (n = 17; 35.4%). Functional outcomes were similar irrespective of the severity of displacement, type of treatment, length of postoperative immobilization, and presence of associated fracture (P > 0.05). Quick DASH scores in children less than 8 years (2.77 ± 0.44) and in those more than 8 years (3.47 ± 2.13) were similar (P > 0.05). Five out of 48 patients developed one complication (10.5%). Good functional and radiologic outcomes can be expected in children with LHC fractures irrespective of the amount of initial displacement, type of treatment, length of postoperative immobilization, and age at surgery. Families should be warned about potential complications although these are most often minor. Level of evidence: III.