[Fracture of condylus radialis humeri during skeletal growth (author's transl)].

A long term follow-up study of 54 fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus was done to assess their special problems during the period of skeletal growth. It was demonstrated, that valgisation of the carrying angle will always be a result of an increasing displacement of the peripheral fragment. Furthermore it was shown that the most significant growth disturbance following this fracture is a partial stimulation of the radial part of the growth plate. This leads to radial overgrowth and thereby to varus deformity of the axis of the elbow joint. The extent of this varus deformity is significantly dependent on the time interval between fracture and consolidation. The premature partial closure of the radial side of the growth plate is of no importance clinically. The causes for general growth disturbance as well as fishtail deformities are shown. To eliminate instability of the fracture and to reduce the duration of the consolidation period a metaphyseal AO-screw for compression osteosynthesis is recommended.