Fracture-dislocation of the humeral condyles in adults: results of surgical treatment.

Fracture-dislocation of the humeral condyle is exceptional in adults. The purpose was to analyze the results of surgical treatment by open reduction and internal fixation without ligamentous repair. There were six men with an average age of 31 years. According to the AO classification, five fractures were classified as AO type B1 and one as B2. Dislocation was reduced in emergency before osteosynthesis. Postoperatively, the joint was held immobile with a brace for 25.40 days. Five patients were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 52.96 months. The median arc of flexion/extension was 104.80° and 157.8° for pronation-supination. All elbows were stable and all fractures were consolidated. Two elbows were painful. The results were satisfactory in five patients. The elbow stability can be ensured only by the synthesis of bone structures. Surgical treatment should restore exact anatomy between the condyle and trochlea. This protocol may provide a joint stability and satisfactory results.