Surgical fixation versus non-surgical care for children with a displaced medial epicondyle fracture of the elbow (the SCIENCE study): a multicentre, randomised controlled, superiority trial and economic evaluation.

Lancet (London, England)·February 7, 2026·PMID 41576983

Why it matters

This is high-level randomized evidence for a common pediatric elbow injury where operative management has been increasing despite limited support. It directly challenges routine fixation and supports a less invasive default approach, including in patients presenting with elbow dislocation when the fragment is not incarcerated.