[Injuries of the distal epiphysis of the humerus in the period of growth].

From 1978 to 1983 in the Orthopedic University Clinic (Oskar-Helene-Heim, Berlin) 75 children with fractures of the distal humerus received medical treatment. The results of 25 intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus in children (ten fractures of the radial condyles, eight fractures of the ulnar epicondyles, three Y-fractures of the condyles, two luxations with additional flake fractures, one fracture of the ulnar condyle) will be reported. The frequency of remaining complications like valgus and varus deformities, pseudarthroses, posttraumatic osteochondroses and "fish tail" deformities are described. The possible mechanism of such developing deformities is discussed. The resulting consequences for the surgical treatment in the future are also discussed.