Nonunion of slightly displaced fractures of the lateral humeral condyle in children: an update.

Inadequate treatment continues to be the leading cause of nonunion of slightly displaced fractures of pediatric lateral humeral condyles, despite references to prevention in the orthopaedic literature. In most cases, the elbow was established nonunion can be salvaged by early stabilization and bone grafting, provided that the fragment is in acceptable position and the growth plate of the condylar fragment is open. Procrastination may allow the physis of the condylar fragment to close prematurely, preemptying the golden opportunity to salvage the child's elbow. The author has collected 23 similar cases from correspondence with 17 orthopaedic surgeons.