Results of operative treatment for ulnar neuropathy in patients with a history of fracture of the lateral part of the humeral condyle in childhood.

BACKGROUND Fractures of the lateral part of the humeral condyle in childhood very often go undetected and are treated incorrectly, giving rise to numerous late complications. The study evaluated the outcomes of treatment of ulnar neuropathy secondary to a fracture of the lateral part of the humeral condyle in childhood. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study enrolled 12 patients aged 28-58 who had suffered fractures of the elbow at between 2 and 14 years of age. Arthrosis and a valgus deformity of the joint, contractures in flexion and extension of the elbow as well as ulnar neuropathy were observed after an average of about 30 years after the fracture. The patients accepted posttraumatic deformation of the axis and contractures of the elbow. The indication for operative treatment was the presence of signs of ulnar neuropathy. The treatment consisted in anterior transposition of the nerve. Postoperative follow-up lasted from 4 to 23 years. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The long-term sequelae of these fractures are a valgus deformity of the elbow, arthrosis of the joint and neuropathy of the ulnar nerve. Ulnar nerve transposition relieves the patients from nerve compression symptoms arising at this level.