A six year old child presented with a valgus deformity at his right elbow since 3 years that is gradually progressive. He has history of cast applied for 6 weeks after fall on outstretched hand 3 years back. The probable fracture was-
**Core Concept**
The child's valgus deformity at the elbow is likely due to a specific type of fracture that affects the growth plate of the bones. This condition occurs when a fall on an outstretched hand leads to a fracture that disrupts the growth plate, causing the bone to grow unevenly and resulting in a deformity.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The probable fracture is a supracondylar fracture of the humerus, specifically a type known as a "growing rod" fracture. This type of fracture occurs when the fracture line extends through the growth plate of the humerus, just above the elbow joint. The growth plate is responsible for the lengthening and shaping of the bone as the child grows, and when it is disrupted, the bone can grow unevenly, leading to a valgus deformity. This type of fracture is more common in children because their bones are still growing and their growth plates are more susceptible to injury.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** A radial head fracture would not typically cause a valgus deformity of the elbow, as it affects the radius bone and is more likely to result in a different type of deformity.
* **Option B:** A medial epicondyle fracture would affect the medial aspect of the elbow and is not typically associated with a valgus deformity.
* **Option C:** A lateral condyle fracture would affect the lateral aspect of the elbow and can cause a varus deformity, not a valgus deformity.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember the "Gartland Classification" for supracondylar fractures, which helps to predict the severity of the fracture and guide treatment. This classification system categorizes supracondylar fractures into three types based on the extent of the fracture line and the presence of any displacement.
**Correct Answer: C. Lateral condyle fracture.**