Epiphyseal separation of the trochlea due to stress-throwing injury in a pediatric baseball player: A case report and review of the literature

TL;DR

A rare case of elbow injury in a child baseball player caused by stress-throwing is reported, with successful treatment through open surgery.

Contribution

Presents a rare pediatric case of stress-throwing-induced epiphyseal separation and suggests open surgery as a treatment option.

Findings

Epiphyseal separation of the trochlea and capitellum avulsion fracture were confirmed via imaging.

Open surgery using K-wires led to successful bone union and return to pain-free baseball.

Suggests open surgery is suitable for distal humeral epiphyseal separation in children.

Abstract

Distal humeral epiphyseal separation (DHES) is rare and sometimes difficult to diagnose by radiography. This report presents a rare case of an 8-year-old male baseball player with epiphyseal separation of the trochlea caused by a stress-throwing injury. The patient sustained an elbow injury after throwing a ball. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed epiphyseal separation of the trochlea and avulsion fracture of the capitellum. Open surgery was performed using 1.5 mm diameter K-wires. After 5 weeks of immobilization, an active range of motion was allowed. Bone union was achieved 4 months after surgery. The patient returned to baseball without pain. Open surgery may be a suitable treatment option for DHES as children grow.

•Distal humeral epiphyseal separation is rare and sometimes difficult to diagnose.•Rare case of epiphyseal separation due to stress-throwing injury in a child•Open surgery may be a suitable treatment option for DHES as children grow.

Distal humeral epiphyseal separation is rare and sometimes difficult to diagnose.

Rare case of epiphyseal separation due to stress-throwing injury in a child

Open surgery may be a suitable treatment option for DHES as children grow.

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