Capitellum fracture: Difference between revisions
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==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
*[[Elbow X-ray]] | |||
**Fractures are often subtle | |||
** Best seen on lateral XR | |||
***Look for abnormal fat pad | |||
***Look for radiocapitellar line disruption | |||
****If possible, lateral elbow is shot at 45 degrees to pick up subtle fractures | |||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
Revision as of 04:16, 13 June 2016
Background
- Fracture of distal humerus at capitellum
- Rare, occurs in approx 1% of elbow fractures
- Mechanism: FOOSH
- Often require surgery, with good prognosis
Clinical Features
- Pain, swelling, may have block to flexion / extension
Differential Diagnosis
Elbow Diagnoses
Radiograph-Positive
- Distal humerus fracture
- Radial head fracture
- Capitellum fracture
- Olecranon fracture
- Elbow dislocation
Radiograph-Negative
- Biceps tendon rupture/dislocation
- Lateral epicondylitis
- Medial epicondylitis
- Olecranon bursitis (nonseptic)
- Pronator teres syndrome
- Septic bursitis
Pediatric
- Nursemaid's elbow
- Supracondylar fracture
- Lateral epicondyle fracture
- Medial epicondyle fracture
- Olecranon fracture
- Radial head fracture
- Salter-Harris fractures
Diagnosis
- Elbow X-ray
- Fractures are often subtle
- Best seen on lateral XR
- Look for abnormal fat pad
- Look for radiocapitellar line disruption
- If possible, lateral elbow is shot at 45 degrees to pick up subtle fractures
Management
Disposition
- Normally outpatient