[Treatment of fractures of the radial condyle of the humerus in children].

A retrospective study of treatment of 46 children with fracture of the lateral humeral condyle is presented. The minimal follow-up of 45 patients was 18 months. 15 children had been treated conservatively while 31 have been operated on with two crossed Kirschner wires. 4 patients presented with varus or valgus deformities of maximal 15 degrees at follow-up. 2 with cubitus varus including one with "fishtail" phenomenon and with cubitus valgus and isolated "fishtail" phenomenon one each. Minimally displaced fractures (less than 2 mm) may be treated conservatively with good results. Dislocated fractures must be treated by open reduction and osteosynthesis to avoid complications (non-union, cubitus valgus, "fishtail" phenomenon and tardy ulnar nerve palsy). Fixation with Kirschner wires is our preferred surgical method. The degree of articular injury has an important influence on the late result.