Updated: Apr 28, 2006
Fracture of the medial condyle is rare in adults and in children; prompt recognition of this sometimes elusive injury is imperative so that complications can be averted.
Trauma to the elbow has a high potential for complications and residual functional disability. Luckily, fractures of the humeral condyles are uncommon in adults. Medial condylar fractures are less common than fractures of the lateral condyle. Together, these injuries account for approximately 5% of all distal humerus fractures in adults.
During adolescence, the distal humerus is the second most common site of physeal injury (second only to the distal radius). Supracondylar fractures account for approximately two thirds of distal humeral injuries in children. In children with elbow fractures, isolated medial condyle fractures are uncommon and account for approximately 1-2% of all distal humerus fractures. In children, medial condyle fractures occur at a peak age of 8-12 years.
Fracture of the medial epicondyle of the elbow is common and occurs in approximately 10% of pediatric elbow fractures. Most of these injuries occur in males aged 10-14 years.
The elbow joint is composed of the bony articulation between the humerus, ulna, and radius. The distal end of the humerus can be divided into the medial and lateral condyles. The articular portion of the medial condyle is the trochlea, and the articular portion of the lateral condyle is the capitulum. The epicondyle is considered part of the nonarticular portion of the condyle. The dividing point for the distal humerus, separating the medial and lateral condyles, is the capitulotrochlear sulcus.
Distinguishing between the articular and nonarticular surface of the condyles is important in the diagnosis and management of condylar fractures. By definition, fractures that involve only the intra-articular surface have no muscular attachments and can only be repositioned by pressure of the opposing articular surface or by open reduction and internal fixation. Fractures that extend beyond the joint capsule have attached muscle and ligaments. The position of the fracture fragment is often influenced by its muscular attachment.
The stability of the elbow is enhanced by its surrounding ligamentous structures. The medial collateral ligament and the lateral collateral ligament (ie, ulnar collateral ligament, radial collateral ligament) provide further stability of the elbow. The radiocapitellar joint is supported by the radial collateral and annular ligaments.
Collectively, the forearm musculature originates from the bony epicondyle prominences. The wrist flexors originate from the medial epicondyle, and the wrist extensors originate from the lateral epicondyle. Because the forearm musculature traverses the elbow joint, some inherent stability to the joint is conferred by muscular contraction.
The structures of the upper arm and elbow are located in either the anterior or posterior compartments. The anterior compartment contains the biceps brachii, brachialis, and coracobrachialis muscles. The anterior compartment also contains the brachial artery, median nerve, musculocutaneous nerve, and ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve passes behind the medial condyle as it enters the forearm. Because of its location and relatively tight tethering to the epicondyle, the ulnar nerve can be injured when the medial humeral condyle is fractured. The posterior compartment contains the triceps brachii muscle and the radial nerve.
The bony anatomy of the elbow in the pediatric population deserves special mention. Many of the challenges encountered in diagnosing elbow fractures in pediatric patients involve proper knowledge of the ossification centers of the elbow. In general, ossification of the growth centers begins at an earlier age in girls than in boys. Although variation exists, ossification of the growth centers of the elbow occurs at the following times:
By definition, the elbow is a true hinge joint that is very stable to all motions except varus and valgus stress. The articulation of the trochlea of the humerus and the olecranon of the ulna defines the plane of flexion and extension at the elbow. The elbow also allows for pronation and supination at the radiocapitellar articulation. The radiocapitellar joint does provide some stability against valgus stress by acting as a buttress to prevent medial elbow opening. Stability is further enhanced by the strength of the ulnar collateral ligament, the principal stabilizing ligament of the elbow that resists valgus stress.
The radial-collateral ligament protects the joint from posterolateral rotary instability and is usually injured during elbow dislocation. The wrist extensor tendons that originate on the lateral intermuscular septum of the arm and the lateral epicondyle provide the elbow with stabilization against varus stress.
Medial condylar fractures generally occur as a result of (1) a fall onto an outstretched upper extremity or (2) a fall onto a flexed elbow. The mechanism of injury appears to be the same in both children and adults.
Elbow and Forearm Overuse Injuries
Elbow Dislocation
Little League Elbow Syndrome
Medial Epicondylitis
Supracondylar fractures of the humerus
Medial epicondylar fractures
Olecranon fractures
The goal of treatment is to obtain proper reduction of the fracture fragment in order to restore alignment of the articular surface of the distal humerus. Fractures demonstrating 2 mm or more displacement generally require surgical fixation; closed reduction is difficult to achieve and maintain. Residual displacement is poorly tolerated. Some authors recommend anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve if the fracture involves the ulnar groove or if the nerve is injured.
Refer patients with medial condylar fractures for evaluation by an orthopedist. Nondisplaced medial condylar fractures can be splinted during the patient's initial emergency department evaluation in a long arm posterior splint; refer the patient for outpatient follow-up in 2-3 days. Displaced fractures require more urgent referral to an orthopedist for surgical fixation.
Barring any other traumatic injury, the patient should maintain general fitness during the rehabilitation phase of treatment, if possible. After the initial period of immobilization, initiate active assisted range-of-motion exercises. Forceful manipulation of the joint should be avoided in order to lessen the occurrence of heterotopic calcification. Implement progressive resistance training once motion is restored, with the goal of reaching preinjury strength and flexibility.
The medications used in the management of elbow fractures include analgesics, either oral or parenteral. In addition, oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may confer some protection against the formation of heterotopic ossification. Conscious sedation may be required for the initial closed reduction of a fracture. Intravenous sedative and narcotic agents are commonly used to perform conscious sedation.
Adequate analgesia is an important aspect of patient care. For mild to moderate pain, oral anti-inflammatory/analgesic medications are used. Parenteral analgesia is usually required for patients with severe pain.
DOC for mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.
200-400 mg PO q4-6h while symptoms persist; not to exceed 3.2 g/d
6 months to 12 years: 4-10 mg/kg/dose PO tid/qid
>12 years: Administer as in adults
Coadministration with aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity; may decrease effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT when taking anticoagulants (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
Documented hypersensitivity; peptic ulcer disease, recent GI bleeding or perforation, renal insufficiency, or high risk of bleeding
B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
Category D in third trimester of pregnancy; caution in congestive heart failure, hypertension, and decreased renal and hepatic function; caution in coagulation abnormalities or during anticoagulant therapy
Drug combination for moderate to severe pain.
1-2 tab or cap PO q4-6h prn
0.05-0.15 mg/kg/dose PO oxycodone; not to exceed 5 mg/dose of oxycodone q4-6h prn
Phenothiazines may decrease analgesic effects; toxicity increases with coadministration of CNS depressants or TCAs
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
Duration of action may increase in elderly persons; be aware of total daily dose of acetaminophen; do not exceed 4 g/d of acetaminophen; higher doses may cause liver toxicity
DOC for analgesia because of reliable and predictable effects, safety profile, and ease of reversibility with naloxone.
Various IV doses are used; commonly titrated until desired effect obtained.
Starting dose: 0.1 mg/kg IV/IM/SC
Maintenance dose: 5-20 mg/70 kg IV/IM/SC q4h
Relatively hypovolemic patients: Start with 2 mg IV/IM/SC; reassess hemodynamic effects of dose
Infants and children: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg IV/IM/SC q2-4h prn; not to exceed 15 mg/dose; may initiate at 0.05 mg/kg/dose
Phenothiazines may antagonize analgesic effects of opiate agonists; TCAs, MAOIs, and other CNS depressants may potentiate adverse effects of morphine
Documented hypersensitivity; hypotension; potentially compromised airway in which establishing rapid airway control would be difficult
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
Caution in hypotension, respiratory depression, nausea, emesis, constipation, urinary retention, atrial flutter, and other supraventricular tachycardias; has vagolytic action and may increase ventricular response rate
Act in the spinal cord to induce muscle relaxation. Can provide proper sedation in order to achieve closed reduction of a fracture. Sedatives work synergistically with parenteral narcotic medications.
Shorter-acting benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic useful in patients requiring acute and/or short-term sedation. Also useful for its amnestic effects.
Conscious sedation: 0.05-0.2 mg loading dose IV over 2 min
Maintenance dose: Infuse 1-2 mcg/kg/min IV titrated to desired effect
Dosing range: 0.4-6 IV mcg/kg/min IV
Alternatively, 0.07-0.08 mg/kg IM
Sedation, anxiolysis, or amnesia: 0.1-0.15 mg/kg IV over 2-3 min
For more anxious patients, doses up to 0.5 mg/kg have been used
Intranasal form may be used for pediatric sedation (<2 y); doses are 1-2 mg intranasally and limited by volume delivered
Sedative effects may be antagonized by theophyllines; narcotics and erythromycin may accentuate sedative effects because of decreased clearance
Documented hypersensitivity; preexisting hypotension, narrow-angle glaucoma, and sensitivity to propylene glycol (the diluent)
D - Unsafe in pregnancy
Caution in congestive heart failure, pulmonary disease, renal impairment, and hepatic failure
Prior to returning to athletic competition, the participant should regain normal or near-normal strength in the affected arm and range of motion should be similar to the preinjury status. However, some athletes may be able to return to competitive sports prior to reaching these goals. This depends on the type of sport (ie, contact vs noncontact) and whether the injury affected the athlete's dominant or nondominant arm. Athletes returning to sports that require elbow-loading maneuvers (eg, gymnastics) often require more extensive rehabilitation prior to returning to competition. The use of bracing, to protect the elbow against valgus loads, is recommended for rigorous sports if return to play occurs before 6 months postinjury.
Delayed complications occur with a reasonably high frequency.
Limited flexion and extension is a complication that can occur with medial condylar fractures. Heterotopic ossification may occur and is related to trauma to the brachialis muscle. Usually, pronation or supination is not limited. Mild limitations of elbow movement are usually well tolerated from a functional standpoint.
Cubitus varus (gun stock deformity) can occur and may be the result of decreased growth of the trochlea. This complication may be more likely to occur in displaced fractures that receive no initial treatment.
Cubitus valgus deformities also can occur and appear to be due to secondary stimulation or overgrowth of the medial condyle fracture fragment.
Nonunion/pseudoarthrosis of the fracture fragment can occur as a complication of medial condylar fractures in children. This may be related to the precarious blood supply of the distal fragment and because fractures that traverse the physeal plate are inherently less stable.
Posttraumatic arthritis due to chondral injury or residual joint incongruity may occur; it usually manifests several years later. Avascular necrosis may ensue because of the poor vascularity of this area and has been reported for even nondisplaced fractures.
Because these injuries occur as a result of accidental falls or participation in high-risk sports, prevention is difficult. Proper education and adequate protective gear (eg, elbow padding) should decrease the likelihood of these injuries occurring.
The outcome of medial condylar fractures depends on the degree of comminution of the fracture, the accuracy of the reduction, and the stability of fixation of the fracture fragment restoring congruity of the articular surface.
In general, nondisplaced fractures that are managed conservatively with a long arm cast have excellent results. In displaced fractures that require open reduction and internal fixation, a good outcome can be expected, with results paralleling the quality of reduction.
For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Breaks, Fractures, and Dislocations Center and Sports Injury Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education articles Broken Arm and Elbow Dislocation.
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humeral condyle fracture, condylar fracture, epicondyle fracture, elbow fracture, distal humerus fracture, broken elbow, arm fracture, broken arm, Salter-Harris fracture, Kilfoyle fracture, Milch fracture
John D Kelly IV, MD, Vice Chairman, Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Associate Professor, Temple University Hospital
John D Kelly IV, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Orthopaedic Association, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, Pennsylvania Medical Society, and Philadelphia County Medical Society
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David Wald, DO, FACOEP, Assistant Program Director, Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, Assistant Professor, Temple University School of Medicine
David Wald, DO, FACOEP is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Leslie Milne, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Assistant Clinical Instructor, Harvard University School of Medicine
Leslie Milne, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Sports Medicine
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Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
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Henry T Goitz, MD, Chief, Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Associate Professor, Medical College of Ohio
Henry T Goitz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Jon Whitehurst, MD, Consulting Staff, Rockford Orthopedic Associates
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Wylie D Lowery, Jr, MD, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Associate Professor, George Washington University
Wylie D Lowery, Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Medical Association, Medical Society of Virginia, and Phi Beta Kappa
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