Bilateral capitulum humeri fracture, a case report and review of the literature

Fracture of the capitellum is an intra-articular fracture of the distal humeral metaphysis and usually occurs in the frontal plane. It is a rare fracture and even more unusual when bilateral. The authors report a case of bilateral isolated fracture of the capitellum (Hahn-Steinthal type I) in a woman aged 28 years, treated surgically. A posterolateral approach was used for both elbows. Internal fixation was performed using two Herbert screws in the right elbow, and AO screws in the left elbow. Both elbows were immobilised for 3 weeks before commencing an intensive mobilization program guided by a physiotherapist. The end result was very satisfactory: both elbows were pain-free, with a complete range of movement on the right and a 10 degrees loss of extension on the left. Radiologically, consolidation was complete and there were no signs of avascular necrosis. Based on a review of the literature, the authors favour the use of Herbert screws in the treatment of capitellar fractures. They give good inter-fragmentary compression and reduce the risk of damaging the articular surface due to their subarticular position.