Paediatric Medial Condyle Humeral Fracture with Early Fusion of Its Ossification Centre: A Rare Occasion

Abstract

A distal humerus fracture is prevalent in paediatric patients; however, a humerus medial condyle fracture is rare and most often confused with a medial epicondyle fracture of the humerus. The ossification of the trochlear typically occurs at a later stage compared to the ossification of the capitellum, resulting in a higher likelihood of overlooking this particular injury. The centre of ossification of the medial condyle usually appeared radiologically at the age of five and fused around the age of fourteen. This was the case of a healthy eight-year-old girl who presented with left elbow pain and swelling after a fall. A radiograph of the left elbow revealed a non-displaced fracture of the medial condyle of the humerus with a fused ossification centre of the medial epicondyle. On the contrary, the radiograph of the right elbow revealed the presence of an ossification centre of the medial epicondyle. She was conservatively treated with an arm sling, and the fracture healed after one month. This case report depicted a rare fracture of the medial condyle of the humerus and an early fusion of the ossification centre in a child. Understanding the centre of ossification of the paediatric elbow is essential for a correct diagnosis and appropriate subsequent treatment. Fractures missed in the paediatric age group are detrimental because they can affect future development, growth, and function.