The Surgery of Neglected Distal Humerus Fractures in Children and Adults

The restoration of function after a neglected distal humerus fracture presents a formidable challenge to the surgeon because of both the complexity of the regional anatomy and the proximity of numerous neurovascular structures. Inadequate or unstable fixation, a failure to reposition the articular fragments anatomically, prolonged post-operative immobilization, or the development of soft-tissue complications will result in substantial disability for the patient. Complications after injuries affecting a child’s elbow are common due to understimating the severity of the injury on the native X-rays where the growth plates and cartilage structures can not be seen.