Capitellum Fractures Case Study

Fifteen patients of capitellum fractures were treated from January 2010 to December 2014. There were 11female and 4 male patients, were aged 20 to 48 years (mean of 35 years), with dominant right hand side involved in 3 and non dominant left involved in 12 patients. All fractures were closed and had occurred following a fall onto the flexed elbow in six or with the outstretched hand in nine patients. Distal neurovascular examination of the limb was normal. All patients underwent plain radiographs (Anteroposterior and Lateral) and CT scan with 3-D reconstructions was done in doubtful, complex comminuted fractures only. Fractures were classified according to the Bryan and Morrey classification and were of type I in 9 and type IV in 6 patients. By AO classification 9 were of 13 B3.1 and 6 of 13 B3.3type.Two patients had associated radial head fractures and one had lateral epicondyle fracture. None of the patients had any clinical signs or symptoms of generalized joint laxity or preexisting degenerative or inflammatory arthritis. All patients were operated within 7 days after injury. The patients were operated under general or regional anesthesia, with …show more content…
The plaster slab was removed at one week, the sutures were removed and active and range of motion exercises of the elbow and forearm were started. Strengthening exercises were delayed till clinical and radiographic evidence of fracture union was seen. All patients were evaluated by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score for function, stability, pain, and range of motion (ROM) at elbow. Radiographs were assessed for the status of the bony union, any signs of avascular necrosis (AVN) and osteoarthritis. Further assessment was also done for wound complications, elbow function and any other complication. The duration of follow-up ranged from 1.5 to 6 years (mean of 3.6