Fracture of the capitellum with an associated fracture of the lateral humeral condyle: A case report

Abstract

Isolated fractures of the capitellum humeri are rare and can be difficult to diagnose. Associated bone and soft tissue injuries are common. Mostly, a concomitant lateral collateral ligament injury or a radial head fracture is reported. Open reduction and internal fixation are accepted as the favored treatment to facilitate anatomic reduction. Missed diagnosis or inadequate treatment of capitellar fractures can led to the development of advanced degenerative changes, limitation of motion and pain. We present the case of an eighteen-year-old male with a Bryan and Morrey type I capitellar fracture in association with a fracture of the lateral humeral condyle. Fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, using a headless compression screw and cannulated screws. To our knowledge this is the first case report to describe the treatment of a capitellar fracture with an associated fracture of the lateral humeral condyle.