Lateral Condyle Fracture (Elbow)

Description

The lateral condyle is the knob of bone on the outer side of the elbow. A fracture here runs into the joint surface and the growth plate, which is why it gets careful attention even when it looks small on an X-ray.

How it happens (the mechanism)

Most of these happen from a fall onto an outstretched hand. The lateral condyle is where the muscles that bend the wrist backward attach. The fall can pull or push off a piece of bone that includes part of the growth plate and part of the elbow joint surface. Because those muscles keep tugging on the piece, a fracture that starts out in good position can slowly shift over the first one to two weeks. If it heals out of place, or does not heal at all (called a nonunion), the elbow can lose motion, grow unevenly, or slowly drift out of line over the years. That is why these fractures get repeat X-rays early, and why many are held in place with pins or a screw.

What matters

Unlike many elbow fractures, lateral condyle fractures can shift in the first week or two, pulled by the forearm muscles that attach there, and they cross both the joint and the growth plate: surfaces that heal best in good alignment. That is why these are followed more closely, and often fixed, even when they start out barely displaced.

Symptoms

Pain, swelling, and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, with reluctance to move it.

Doctor examination and imaging

The doctor localizes tenderness to the outer elbow; X-rays (sometimes special views or repeat films) show the fracture and whether it has moved.

Nonsurgical treatment

A barely shifted fracture may be treated in a cast with very close follow-up and repeat X-rays to catch any movement early.

Surgical treatment

A fracture that is displaced, or that moves, is fixed with small pins or a screw to hold it precisely while it heals.

Recovery and long-term outlook

Treated properly, these heal well; they are simply followed a little longer than most elbow fractures.

When to call the doctor

Call the office right away if your child’s fingers become numb, pale, blue, or cold; pain keeps worsening even after raising the arm and giving medicine; swelling does not improve with elevation; the cast feels too tight, cracked, or wet, or smells bad; or your child develops a fever.

Learn more

OrthoInfo (AAOS), Elbow Fractures in Children: orthoinfo.aaos.org (opens in a new tab)

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For specific concerns about your child, consult a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeon.

More for families

OrthoKids · POSNA

POSNA's OrthoKids: illustrated, family-friendly information on this condition.

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