Elbow deformities after fracture

There are many well known acute and long-term complications associated with elbow fractures. Common residuals of elbow trauma in children include varus, valgus, and recurvatum deformity Less common are flexion deformity and so called fishtail deformity. Fishtail deformity is unique in that it occurs as the result of premature closure of a portion of the distal humeral physis. This in turn may be the result of an inadequate reduction of an intercondylar fracture, avascular necrosis, or a central physeal arrest. Finally, heterotopic bone around the elbow may result in significant loss of motion around the elbow with usually a resultant flexion contracture. The etiology, pathology, and recommended treatment for each of these deformities are the focus of this article.