What is a Capitellar fracture?
Capitellum Fractures are traumatic intra-articular elbow injuries involving the distal humerus at the capitellum.
What is Capitellar?
The capitellum, also referred to as the capitulum, is the lateral part of the humeral condyle that articulates with the radial head.
How is capitellum fracture treated?
The most appropriate treatment of type I capitellar fractures is ORIF. If closed reduction is unsuccessfully attempted, open reduction is indicated. Open reduction is indicated in all displaced fractures of the capitellum and in those for which closed reduction fails.
Where is the capitellum bone?
In human anatomy of the arm, the capitulum of the humerus is a smooth, rounded eminence on the lateral portion of the distal articular surface of the humerus. It articulates with the cupshaped depression on the head of the radius, and is limited to the front and lower part of the bone.
What is OCD in the elbow?
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a disorder of articular cartilage and subchondral bone. In the elbow, an OCD is localized most commonly at the humeral capitellum. Teenagers engaged in sports that involve repetitive stress on the elbow are at risk.
What is the bone below the elbow called?
Ulna: This forearm bone runs from the elbow to the “pinkie” side of the wrist.
How long does it take for a capitellum fracture to heal?
Immobilization in a long-arm cast or splint with the elbow flexed to 90 degrees for 4-6 weeks to keep the capitellum reduced to the radial head is recommended.
What is green stick fracture?
A greenstick fracture occurs when a bone bends and cracks, instead of breaking completely into separate pieces. The fracture looks similar to what happens when you try to break a small, “green” branch on a tree. Most greenstick fractures occur in children younger than 10 years of age.
What are capitellar head fractures associated with?
It is important to be aware that capitellar fractures are commonly associated with radial head fractures, and occassionally with a terrible triad injury pattern 2 . 1. Nick G. Lasanianos, Konstantinos Makridis.
What is a capitellum fracture?
Capitellum Fractures are traumatic intra-articular elbow injuries involving the distal humerus at the capitellum. Diagnosis is made using plain radiographs of the elbow. Treatment may be nonoperative for nondisplaced fractures but any displacement generally requires anatomic open reduction and internal fixation.
What is a capitellar fracture of the elbow?
Capitellar Fractures. Displacement is often significant, resulting in a block to elbow flexion. A thorough evaluation of the shoulder and wrist should be completed to rule out concomitant injuries. In particular, radial head, interosseous membrane, and distal radial ulnar joint (DRUJ) injuries should be identified.
How common are capitellar fractures in orthopedic surgery?
Link to this Page… Capitellar fractures are rare and may only be encountered a few times over an orthopaedic surgeon’s career. However, with knowledge of the “pitfalls” that exist with these injuries, the surgeon can correctly diagnose and properly treat these fractures with fair to good results.