Osteochondral Allograft Reconstruction of a Pediatric Distal Humerus Fracture with Articular Bone Loss: A Case Report

Kirsten Norrell, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Derec Stanislav, Kansas City University
Micah Sinclair, Children's Mercy Kansas City
Caroline Tougas, Children's Mercy Kansas City

Abstract

Case:

A right hand dominant 10-year-old girl presenting with an open right distal humerus fracture dislocation involving complete medial column bone loss and a >50% trochlea defect was reconstructed with a size-matched, fresh distal humerus osteochondral allograft. Successful bony integration and functional elbow range of motion were achieved.

Conclusion:

A paucity of literature exists to guide the treatment of pediatric distal humerus fractures with significant bone loss. Despite complications associated with osteochondral allografts, they provide a reasonable treatment option to preserve elbow motion in children with unreconstructible intra-articular distal humerus fractures to avoid arthrodesis.