Pediatric Capitellum Fracture Fixation with Bio-absorbable K-wire

Introduction: Pediatric capitellum fractures are rare, accounting for <1% of elbow fractures in children. They are typically caused by axial loading on an outstretched arm. Due to the high cartilaginous composition of the pediatric elbow, these fractures are often missed in radiographic diagnosis...

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Main Authors: Fawaz Mohammed Manu, M Jyothi Prasanth, Hijas Ismayil
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Indian Orthopaedic Research Group 2025-07-01
Series:Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://jocr.co.in/wp/2025/07/01/pediatric-capitellum-fracture-fixation-with-bio-absorbable-k-wire/
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author Fawaz Mohammed Manu
M Jyothi Prasanth
Hijas Ismayil
author_facet Fawaz Mohammed Manu
M Jyothi Prasanth
Hijas Ismayil
author_sort Fawaz Mohammed Manu
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Pediatric capitellum fractures are rare, accounting for <1% of elbow fractures in children. They are typically caused by axial loading on an outstretched arm. Due to the high cartilaginous composition of the pediatric elbow, these fractures are often missed in radiographic diagnosis. Proper diagnosis using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is essential for effective treatment planning. Case Report: A 14-year-old female sustained a left elbow injury following a fall while playing. Clinical and radiological evaluations confirmed a displaced Hahn–Steinthal fracture of the capitellum. Open reduction and internal fixation using bio-absorbable K-wires were performed. Postoperatively, an above-elbow cast was applied for 4 weeks. At 10 weeks, the patient had achieved a full range of motion, and radiographic assessment confirmed fracture union. Conclusion: Pediatric capitellum fractures, though rare, can lead to significant morbidity if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. The use of bio-absorbable K-wires offers an effective fixation method, eliminating the need for a second surgery for implant removal. Early intervention, proper radiological assessment, and surgical management result in excellent functional outcomes with minimal complications.
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spelling doaj-art-df8d89178f97487ca4075d285369d58d2025-08-20T04:01:57ZengIndian Orthopaedic Research GroupJournal of Orthopaedic Case Reports2250-06852321-38172025-07-0115718919410.13107/jocr.2025.v15.i07.5820Pediatric Capitellum Fracture Fixation with Bio-absorbable K-wireFawaz Mohammed ManuM Jyothi PrasanthHijas IsmayilIntroduction: Pediatric capitellum fractures are rare, accounting for <1% of elbow fractures in children. They are typically caused by axial loading on an outstretched arm. Due to the high cartilaginous composition of the pediatric elbow, these fractures are often missed in radiographic diagnosis. Proper diagnosis using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is essential for effective treatment planning. Case Report: A 14-year-old female sustained a left elbow injury following a fall while playing. Clinical and radiological evaluations confirmed a displaced Hahn–Steinthal fracture of the capitellum. Open reduction and internal fixation using bio-absorbable K-wires were performed. Postoperatively, an above-elbow cast was applied for 4 weeks. At 10 weeks, the patient had achieved a full range of motion, and radiographic assessment confirmed fracture union. Conclusion: Pediatric capitellum fractures, though rare, can lead to significant morbidity if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. The use of bio-absorbable K-wires offers an effective fixation method, eliminating the need for a second surgery for implant removal. Early intervention, proper radiological assessment, and surgical management result in excellent functional outcomes with minimal complications.https://jocr.co.in/wp/2025/07/01/pediatric-capitellum-fracture-fixation-with-bio-absorbable-k-wire/paediatricelbow fractures capitellark-wires
spellingShingle Fawaz Mohammed Manu
M Jyothi Prasanth
Hijas Ismayil
Pediatric Capitellum Fracture Fixation with Bio-absorbable K-wire
Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports
paediatric
elbow fractures capitellar
k-wires
title Pediatric Capitellum Fracture Fixation with Bio-absorbable K-wire
title_full Pediatric Capitellum Fracture Fixation with Bio-absorbable K-wire
title_fullStr Pediatric Capitellum Fracture Fixation with Bio-absorbable K-wire
title_full_unstemmed Pediatric Capitellum Fracture Fixation with Bio-absorbable K-wire
title_short Pediatric Capitellum Fracture Fixation with Bio-absorbable K-wire
title_sort pediatric capitellum fracture fixation with bio absorbable k wire
topic paediatric
elbow fractures capitellar
k-wires
url https://jocr.co.in/wp/2025/07/01/pediatric-capitellum-fracture-fixation-with-bio-absorbable-k-wire/
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AT hijasismayil pediatriccapitellumfracturefixationwithbioabsorbablekwire