[Delayed diagnosis of fractures of the capitulum of the humerus. Successful internal fixation 6 weeks after the accident].

Fractures of the capitulum of the humerus are rare and difficult to recognize. At present conservative therapy is only indicated in a few cases with no dislocation of the fracture. Otherwise an anatomical reduction and internal fixation should be done as early as possible. This article reports the case of a 51-year-old female patient with bilateral fractures of the capitulum of the humerus which were diagnosed 6 weeks after trauma. In spite of the extra risk of fragment necrosis, a reduction and internal fixation were performed. After rehabilitation, the patient was free of complaints except for a minimal limited range of motion.