Cannulated cancellous screw fixation for capitellum fractures in adolescents.

PURPOSE: To review the outcome of 9 adolescents treated with 2 to 3 cannulated cancellous screws for type-1 capitellum fractures.

METHODS: Records of 8 boys and one girl aged 12 to 14 (mean, 14) years with type-1 capitellum fractures were reviewed. The mechanism of injury was a fall on the flexed elbow. No patient had associated injuries or neurovascular compromise. In 2 patients, the fracture was minimally displaced and treated with a cast. The remaining 7 patients with displaced fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation using 4.0-mm cannulated partially threaded cancellous screws inserted in a posterior-to-anterior direction. In one patient, a Kirschner wire was added to fix a small comminuted fragment. Elbow pain, range of motion, stability, and function were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index.

RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 7 (range, 2-18) months. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Index score was 100, indicating excellent outcome. No patient developed avascular necrosis or heterotrophic ossification. All patients achieved anatomic bone union. All implants were removed after a mean of 4.7 (range, 2-7) months.

CONCLUSION: The fixation of type-1 capitellum fractures with 2 to 3 cannulated cancellous screws inserted posteroanteriorly achieved excellent functional outcome.