Management of the supposed elbow dislocation in newborns

Background: The newborn transphyseal fracture of the distal humerus is frequently misdiagnosed with an elbow dislocation due to the absence of the lateral condyle ossification node. No consensus has been reported either for the diagnosis or the management of these rare fractures. This study aimed to analyze a series of newborns with transphyseal distal humerus fractures.

Methods: All consecutive infants treated between 2005 and 2020 for a transphyseal fracture of the distal humerus before the age of 6 months were retrospectively included. All radiological examinations were analyzed (X-ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) as well as the therapeutic management (orthopedic or surgical treatment). The patients were seen at outpatient clinic visits with a minimum of 2-year follow-up.

Results: Nine newborns were treated. The main cause was an obstetrical traumatism (n = 8). The diagnosis was made on physical examination and addressed by obstetric departments with standard biplanar radiographs in four cases. The fracture was suspected on physical examination in the remaining five cases and confirmed by complementary imaging (ultrasound (2), MRI (1), and both (3)). A total of six patients were treated conservatively and three surgically with an open reduction. At a mean follow-up of 79 months, two complications occurred: one axillary abscess due to the cast and one cubitus varus deformity. All children had a full functional recovery.

Conclusions: The transphyseal fracture of the distal humerus in newborns is a rare entity that should be managed conservatively. Additional imaging examinations are recommended to clarify the diagnosis.

Level of evidence: Level IV, cohort study.