Capitellar Fracture eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Article by Janos P Ertl, MD 2007
Because of the rarity of capitellar fractures, controversies exist regarding the most appropriate treatment. The fracture fragment is intra-articular and requires treatment and reduction to reestablish normal elbow motion. Difficulty arises from the varying sizes of the fracture fragment and from the amount of suitable subchondral bone that is present to achieve stable fixation and to allow early elbow motion. Failure of adequate intervention may result in an incongruous joint, as well as in stiffness, instability, and chronic pain.
Synonyms and related keywords: capitellum fractures, Hahn-Steinthal fractures, Kocher-Lorenz fractures, elbow fracture, broken arm, arm fracture, distal humerus fractures