Incarcerated Medial Epicondyle Fractures With Elbow Dislocation: Risk Factors Associated With Morbidity

Conclusions: Incarcerated medial epicondyle fractures are commonly associated with ulnar nerve symptoms; however, they are not associated with a significant rate of other complications. There was no increased risk of complications in subjects who had a longer duration between initial presentation and surgery. This suggests that, while the presence of an incarcerated medial epicondyle fracture is certainly an indication for timely operative intervention; the injury in isolation does not need to be considered emergent. Other factors including neurovascular status and ability to achieve joint reduction may still necessitate emergency operative care. Level of Evidence: Level IV—therapeutic study, case series.
Source: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Trauma Source Type: research