Capitellum Fractures: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Abstract

The capitellum fractures are a rare and challenging group of distal humerus fractures with diverse patterns, going from simple uniplanar fractures to complex, comminuted, and ligament-involving fractures. Proper identification and management are crucial to prevent complications such as elbow stiffness, pain, and post-traumatic arthritis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current approaches to managing these fractures, emphasizing anatomical considerations, epidemiology, clinical assessment, classification systems, and surgical techniques. This article further highlights the effectiveness and limitations of fixation methods, including Kirschner wires, screws, plates, arthroscopic-assisted reduction, and elbow arthroplasty according to the fracture pattern. Despite a better understanding of the fracture pattern, complications such as avascular necrosis and osteoarthritis continue to cause significant challenges, particularly in complex fracture configurations. This review aims to enhance the understanding of treatment strategies to improve the management and outcomes of this uncommon fracture.

Keywords

capitellum - distal humerus - coronal fractures - elbow fractures - trochlea

Publication History

Received: 20 March 2025

Accepted: 04 August 2025

Article published online:
22 December 2025

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