Coronal Shear Fractures of the Distal Humerus: A Review of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes

Fractures of the capitellum and trochlea are uncommon fractures of the elbow and can be challenging to treat due to their size, location, and articular nature. Because of their intra-articular nature and predilection toward displacement, these fractures are typically treated operatively. Furthermore, capitellum fractures have high rates of associated injuries, including radial head fractures or lateral collateral ligament injury in ~30% to 60% of patients. In addition to open reduction internal fixation, operative options include fragment excision, arthroscopic assisted reduction and fixation, and elbow arthroplasty. In this article, we undertake a comprehensive literature review of capitellum fractures of the distal humerus, in an attempt to summarize the existing body of evidence and propose areas of future study.