Posteromedial Dislocation of the Elbow with Lateral Condyle Fracture in Children

Posteromedial dislocation of the elbow with lateral condyle fracture is a rare injury, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. We report 3 children who had posteromedial dislocation of the elbow with Milch type 11 lateral condylar fracture of the distal humerus. Major complications included malunion, nonunion of the fracture, heterotophic calcification and elbow subluxation. From our experience and a review of the literature, open anatomical reduction and internal fixation of the lateral condyle fracture is the mainstay of treatment for these children. Poor reduction of the lateral condyle fracture results in incongruity of the joint surface and leads to poor results. [J Chin Med Assoc 2009; 72(2):103-107]