Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Orthopedic Surgery

Fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus represent the second most common type of fracture of the elbow in children Although this injury is seen at all ages, it is predominately observed in children aged between 5 and 10 years multiple treatment options are available for these fractures, ranging from simple immobilization for nondisplaced or minimally displaced fracture patterns, to operative reduction and fixation with Kirschner wires (K-wires) or screws for displaced fractures. Although using K-wires may be a relatively simpler method of fixation, outcomes may be limited by the propensity for wire loosening/migration and the duration of immobilization needed to achieve adequate healing. As an alternative, screw fixation affords the opportunity to apply compression across the fracture and to initiate range of motion while the fixation is still in place. Controversy exists with regard to the optimum management of lateral condyle fractures in children. We sought to examine whether screw fixation of displaced lateral condyle fractures would decrease time to union

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