A case report: Distal humeral diaphyseal fracture in a child

RATIONALE: Distal humeral diaphyseal fractures are much less common than supracondylar humeral fractures. The triangular shape and thinner periosteum in the diaphyseal region than in the supracondylar region of the distal diaphysis makes the treatment of diaphyseal fractures difficult. Nonoperative treatment for this fracture is challenging and troublesome; thus, open reduction and internal fixation (OR/IF) is generally recommended. PATIENT CONCERNS: We herein report a distal humeral diaphyseal fracture in a child. A 6-year-old boy fell from a chair, injuring his left elbow. Radiographs were performed at a local clinic. DIAGNOSIS: Unstable diaphyseal shaft fracture of the left humerus. INTERVENTIONS: Because of the severe displacement of the fracture and difficulty maintaining alignment for reduction, we performed OR/IF using an anterior mini-incision approach on the cubital skin line under general anesthesia. OUTCOMES: Displacement of the fracture was reduced easily, and stable fixation was achieved using percutaneous intramedullary Kirschner wires. After immobilization with a long-arm cast for 4 weeks, the cast was removed and range-of-motion exercises were encouraged. At 9 months postoperatively, the range of elbow motion was 0° to 135°. Baumann angle and the carrying angle were 62° and 17°, respectively. According to Flynn criteria, the result was excellent. LESSONS: OR/IF using the herein-described cubital anterior approach seems to be a safe and easily performed procedure for distal humeral diaphyseal fractures, and percutaneous intramedullary Kirschner wires provide reliable fixation in such cases.