Trochlear Osteonecrosis after a Nonoperative Lateral Humeral Condyle Fracture in a Child

Abstract

This patient originally presented at the age of 2 years with a 1-mm displaced lateral humeral condyle fracture after a fall. He was treated nonoperatively in a long-arm cast, and serial x-rays were followed for 1 month. At the 1-month clinic visit, the lateral condyle demonstrated excellent alignment and healing, and the long-arm cast was removed. He eased back into activities and was doing well at 3 months. He returned over 4 years later, at the age of 7 years, with the report of elbow clicking with motion. At that time, imaging demonstrated collapse of the ulnohumeral articulation.