Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42207954›Full record

ArticleSICOT-J2026

Knotless suture anchor fixation of Hahn-Steinthal fractures of the capitellum: A technical note with preliminary clinical outcomes.

Michał Szufnara, Maciej Ciesielski, Błażej Wójtowicz, Jan Poszepczyński, Marcin Domżalski, Jędrzej Lesman

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Article in SICOT-J, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Michał SzufnaraDepartment of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Clinical Hospital No. 2, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland.
Maciej CiesielskiDepartment of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Clinical Hospital No. 2, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland.
Błażej WójtowiczDepartment of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Clinical Hospital No. 2, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland.
Jan PoszepczyńskiDepartment of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Clinical Hospital No. 2, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland.
Marcin DomżalskiDepartment of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Clinical Hospital No. 2, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland.
Jędrzej LesmanDepartment of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Clinical Hospital No. 2, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland.ORCID 0000-0003-4545-8077

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundHahn-Steinthal fractures are rare osteochondral injuries of the humeral capitellum that primarily affect young and active patients. Although several fixation techniques have been described, most rely on metallic implants or knot-tying constructs that may increase intra-articular bulk and the risk of cartilage damage. The use of knotless suture anchor fixation for this specific fracture pattern has not yet been specifically described. To our knowledge, this study represents the first report describing knotless suture anchor fixation specifically for Hahn-Steinthal fractures of the capitellum.

methodsThis study describes an open reduction and knotless suture anchor fixation technique for Hahn-Steinthal fractures of the capitellum and reports early clinical outcomes in a consecutive series of five patients treated in 2025. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, while pain intensity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Elbow range of motion (ROM) and radiographic fracture healing were also assessed during follow-up. Patients were followed for 12 weeks postoperatively.

resultsThe cohort consisted of five patients (three men and two women) with a mean age of 37 years (SD 3.5). All fractures achieved radiographic union without secondary displacement. In addition, computed tomography performed at 3 months postoperatively confirmed osseous union and restoration of articular congruity in the index case. The mean DASH score improved from 62 preoperatively to 43 at 2 weeks, 31 at 6 weeks, and 21 at 12 weeks postoperatively. Mean VAS scores decreased from 8 preoperatively to 5 at 2 weeks, 4 at 6 weeks, and 3 at 12 weeks. The mean flexion-extension arc improved from 48° (SD 5.5) preoperatively to 110° (SD 6.7) at final follow-up. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed during the 12-week follow-up period.

conclusionsOpen reduction followed by knotless suture anchor fixation represents a technically feasible technique associated with encouraging early clinical and radiological outcomes in this preliminary case series. The absence of intra-articular metal hardware may reduce the risk of cartilage damage while allowing stable fixation of small osteochondral fragments and early functional recovery.

Indexed as

Capitellum fractureElbow traumaHahn–Steinthal fractureKnotless fixationOsteochondral fracture

Identifiers

PMID42207954
PMCPMC13218650

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.