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Operative management of capitellar fractures: a systematic review.

Authors :: Trinh TQ
Harris JD
Kolovich GP
Griesser MJ
Schickendantz MS
Jones GL
Source :: Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery [J Shoulder Elbow Surg] 2012 Nov; Vol. 21 (11), pp. 1613-22. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 Jun 11.
Publication Year :: 2012
Abstract: Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate reports of clinical outcomes of isolated capitellar fractures.<br />Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic review of medical databases reporting clinical outcomes of patients undergoing nonoperative and operative management of isolated capitellar fractures.<br />Results: We identified 28 studies for inclusion comprising 174 patients. All included studies were level IV evidence. Capitellar fractures were more common among women than men and were more likely to involve the nondominant arm. Type I fractures (84%) were more common than type II (14%) and III fractures (2%). Operative and nonoperative management both led to satisfactory clinical outcomes. No significant difference in outcomes was observed in those undergoing operative management compared with those undergoing closed reduction and immobilization.<br />Conclusions: Nonoperative and operative management of isolated capitellar fractures leads to satisfactory clinical outcomes as determined by postoperative range of motion, improvement in pain, and a return to previous levels of function. No statistical difference in outcomes was observed between those undergoing operative management compared with those treated with closed reduction and immobilization.<br /> (Copyright © 2012 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)