Osteochondral Allograft Reconstruction of a Pediatric Distal Humerus Fracture with Articular Bone Loss: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2022 Aug 12;12(3). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.22.00254. eCollection 2022 Jul 1.

Abstract

Case: A right hand dominant 10-year-old girl presenting with an open right distal humerus fracture dislocation involving complete medial column bone loss and a >50% trochlea defect was reconstructed with a size-matched, fresh distal humerus osteochondral allograft. Successful bony integration and functional elbow range of motion were achieved.

Conclusion: A paucity of literature exists to guide the treatment of pediatric distal humerus fractures with significant bone loss. Despite complications associated with osteochondral allografts, they provide a reasonable treatment option to preserve elbow motion in children with unreconstructible intra-articular distal humerus fractures to avoid arthrodesis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Allografts
  • Child
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Humans
  • Humeral Fractures* / complications
  • Humeral Fractures* / surgery
  • Humerus / surgery
  • Intra-Articular Fractures* / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome