[Late ulnar nerve paresis in adults after neglected treatment for fracture of the capitulum with part of the trochlea in children].

Etio-pathomorphogenesis of compression syndromes of the ulnar nerve strained over the medial side of the valgus elbow is presented on the basis of follow-up of 11 patients. Valgus deformity of the elbow resulted from neglecting of surgical reduction of the displaced capitulum and part of the trochlea in the childhood. Cartilage of the articular surface of the displaced fragment facing injury site of the humeral condyle impedes healing of the fracture and disturbs the growth of the lateral epiphysis. Thus valgus deformity is accompanied by pseudoarthroses and various deformities of the articular surface. Function of the distorted elbow joint was good, however, and the range of motion pretty wide. An irritation or late paresis of the ulnar nerve appeared only 17 or even 45 years after the fracture in childhood. Permanent ulnar paresis can be prevented by early nerve transposition, that is during first year of ulnar nerve irritation symptoms.