Capitellum fracture

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
  • Essex-Lopresti 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

Disposition

• Normally outpatient

See Also

• Elbow diagnoses
• Elbow Fracture (Main)
• Radial head fracture (peds)