Complete distal humeral epiphyseal separation indicating a battered child syndrome: a case report

Background Complete distal humeral epiphysiolysis is a rare and uncommon injury and may result from severe trauma, e.g. birth injury or battered child syndrome. Case report This is a case report of a 5-month-old female child with distal humeral epiphysiolysis. In the course of clinical and radiologi...

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Veröffentlicht in:Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery 2008-09, Vol.128 (9), p.967-972
Hauptverfasser: Hansen, Matthias, Weltzien, A., Blum, J., Botterill, N. J., Rommens, P. M.
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Background Complete distal humeral epiphysiolysis is a rare and uncommon injury and may result from severe trauma, e.g. birth injury or battered child syndrome. Case report This is a case report of a 5-month-old female child with distal humeral epiphysiolysis. In the course of clinical and radiological examinations, a battered child syndrome could be diagnosed. Open reduction and temporary transfixation of the distal humeral physis were performed. In the middle term follow-up, 1.5-years after the injury, the function of the elbow was nearly normal but the ulnar condyle showed growth disturbance with cubitus varus of 10°. Conclusion Correct diagnosis of complete distal humeral epiphysiolysis may be difficult and misinterpretation of the injury as elbow dislocation should be avoided. This particular lesion is a strong indicator of child abuse. Treatment options and the necessity of operative procedures are discussed.
ISSN:0936-8051
1434-3916
DOI:10.1007/s00402-007-0484-7