Transphyseal Fracture of the Distal Humerus

Transphyseal fractures of the distal humerus typically occur in children younger than 3 years secondary to birth trauma, nonaccidental trauma, or a fall from a small height. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of the injury is crucial for a successful outcome. Recognizing that the forearm is not aligned with the humerus on plain radiography can aid in the diagnosis of the injury. Surgical management is most commonly performed with the aid of an arthrogram. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning techniques similar to those used for supracondylar humerus fractures are employed. The most common complication is cubitus varus caused by a malunion, osteonecrosis of the medial condyle, or growth arrest. A corrective lateral closing wedge osteotomy can be performed to restore a nearly normal carrying angle.