Surgical Treatment of Displaced Medial Epicondyle Fractures in Adolescent Athletes*

Abstract

Eight adolescent athletes (average age, 11 years; range, 9 to 15) underwent open reduction and internal fixation of acute, displaced medial epicondyle frac tures. Fixation was achieved with a screw and washer. Four patients (50%) had associated elbow disloca tions. Elbow motion in a brace was initiated 4 days after surgery. The brace allowed full flexion and exten sion but protected the elbow against valgus stress. Bracing was continued for 4 weeks. The average du ration of followup was 10 months (range, 6 to 13). All fractures united, and full motion was achieved in seven patients. One patient lost 5° of hyperextension com pared with the opposite elbow. All eight elbows were stable to valgus stress and were pain-free. All patients returned to full sports activity.