[Delayed diagnosis of fractures of the capitulum of the humerus. Successful internal fixation 6 weeks after the accident]

Unfallchirurg. 2010 Dec;113(12):1042-6. doi: 10.1007/s00113-010-1803-y.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Fractures of the capitulum of the humerus are rare and difficult to recognize. At present conservative therapy is only indicated in a few cases with no dislocation of the fracture. Otherwise an anatomical reduction and internal fixation should be done as early as possible. This article reports the case of a 51-year-old female patient with bilateral fractures of the capitulum of the humerus which were diagnosed 6 weeks after trauma. In spite of the extra risk of fragment necrosis, a reduction and internal fixation were performed. After rehabilitation, the patient was free of complaints except for a minimal limited range of motion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Bone Screws
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Elbow Injuries*
  • Elbow Joint / surgery
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods*
  • Fracture Healing / physiology
  • Humans
  • Humeral Fractures / diagnosis*
  • Humeral Fractures / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed