FRACTURE SEPARATION OF THE LOWER HUMERAL EPIPHYSIS AS A BIRTH TRAUMA - A CASE-REPORT

The authors report on a case of fracture of the distal humeral epiphysis sustained at birth. This is extremely rare. The main problem in treatment of this kind of fracture is correct and timely diagnosis. In almost all reported cases the fracture has been confused with elbow dislocation. The reason for this mistake is difficult roentgenological orientation owing to invisible ossification nuclei. Ultrasono und examination is recommended for diagnosis. The treatment of the injury is conservative. Clo sed reduction and immobilization for 3 weeks in an above-the-elbow plaster cast is advised. The end-results have been very good in all published cases, as they were in the present case, in which the shape of the injured elbow corresponded absolutely to that on the healthy side, mobility was unrestricted and no growth disturbances were observed after 9 months.