[Prognosis of condylus-radialis-humeri fractures in children following conservative and osteosynthesis treatment].

Basing on a follow-up study of 31 fractures of the condylus radialis humeri in childhood, the authors present suggestions for surgical and conservative therapy. Despite the fact that fractures of the condylus radialis are epiphyseal fractures of the Salter III and IV types, conservative treatment is advocated provided the fracture is not or only slightly dislocated and can be reset to produce closure. Kirschner wiring can be employed to prevent possible recurrence of dislocation if such a tendency is suspected. In case of considerably dislocated and rotated fragments, open repositioning and fragment fixation is indicated. To avoid medial instability, such fixation should be accomplished by means of small-fragment screws.