Lateral elbow ecchymosis as a clinical sign of lateral humeral condylar fractures.

Given the appropriate clinical history and mechanism of injury, the presence of localized lateral elbow ecchymosis in a young child is usually the sign of lateral condyle fracture of the humerus. Recognition of this clinical sign helps in directing the diagnostic studies and empiric treatment toward a lateral condyle fracture of the humerus not apparent on initial radiographs.