IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL PROGNOSTIC FACTORS AFFECTING THE OUTCOME OF PAEDIATRIC HUMERAL CONDYLE FRACTURES

Background: In children with mildly displaced or non-displaced LHCF (lateral humeral condyle fractures), problems such as non-union and displacement are frequently observed. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of writing on the subject in the Indian context. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the possible prognostic factors influencing the course of pediatric humeral condyle fractures. Methods: The current study evaluated 178 individuals with a history of trauma who were admitted to the Institute throughout the specified study period. Demographics, the side of the injury, the fracture's displacement, its treatment, its further displacement, non-union, and other consequences were all recorded. Based on basic radiographs, the fractures were categorized using Jakob's classification, and the displacement was measured in millimeters using lateral and AP (anteroposterior views). Results According to the study's findings, 20% of the participants had Jacob II and 80% had Jacob I, with a mean age of 6.2±2.8 years. 81% of the participants received non-surgical therapy, whereas 19% underwent surgery. Of the individuals, 27% (n=48) had complications. Non-union, lateral condyle hypertrophy, and alignment disruption were all significantly correlated with higher initial displacement degree. A displacement of more than 1.5 mm was shown to require surgical intervention. Conclusion: lateral humeral condyle fractures that are minimally displaced or non-displaced exhibit future displacement and non-union. The degree of initial fracture displacement in these fractures is associated with non-union incidence, lateral condyle hypertrophy, and alignment abnormalities. Surgical management is required for displacement more than 1.5 mm.