Pediatric Distal Humeral Fracture

synonyms:transphyseal fracture, distal humeral fracture, pediatric elbow fracture

Pediatric Distal Humeral Fracture ICD-9

Pediatric Distal Humeral Fracture Etiology / Epidemiology / Natural History

• Transphyseal distal humerus fracture is associated with child abuse up to 50% of the time. 
• Transphyseal distal humerus fracture typically occurs in children younger than 3 years old.

Pediatric Distal Humeral Fracture Anatomy

Pediatric Distal Humeral Fracture Clinical Evaluation

Pediatric Distal Humeral Fracture Xray / Diagnositc Tests

•  A/P lateral and oblique elbow xray.  Frauctre is often not appreciated on radiographs due to the open distal humeral epiphysis.
• Consider MRI for young children with potential distal humeral physeal injuries, (Nimkin K, Kleinman PK, Teeger S, Spevak MR. Distal humeral physeal injuries in child abuse: MR imaging and ultrasonography findings. Pediatr Radiol. 1995;25(7):562-5)

Pediatric Distal Humeral Fracture Classification / Treatment

Pediatric Distal Humeral Fracture Associated Injuries / Differential Diagnosis

• Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture 812.41
• Lateral Condyle of Humerus Fracture 812.42
• Medial Epicondyle Fracture 812.43

Pediatric Distal Humeral Fracture Complications

• Nonuion
• Infection
• Painful hardware
• Compartment Syndrome
• CRPS
• DVT / PE
• Heterotopic Ossification

Pediatric Distal Humeral Fracture Follow-up Care

Pediatric Distal Humeral Fracture Review References