Ipsilateral Supracondylar Humerus Fracture With Distal End Radius Fracture - A Review of 10 Cases

Abstract

BACKGROUNDSupracondylar humerus fracture with forearm fractures are rare with reported incidence ranging from 3% to 13%. 1,2,3,4 We have treated ten patients with ipsilateral supracondylar humerus fracture with distal radius fracture. One had a Gustilo-Anderson Grade 2 open supracondylar humerus fracture. All displaced fractures were treated with K-wire fixation by closed method except the open fracture which warranted wound debridement and subsequent open reduction. A follow-up of at least 6 months is available for all our patients. All fractures showed signs of union by 6 weeks when K-wires were removed. At 6 months, 9 patients had excellent outcome while one patient with recovering radial nerve palsy had fair outcome. No cases of mal-union, non-union, loss of reduction were seen in the post-operative period. Pin tract site infection was seen in one patient with open fracture which resolved after Kwire removal and antibiotic coverage. This study recommends a screening x-ray of forearm and wrist in patients with supracondylar humerus fractures to rule out any associated forearm/wrist injury. We also recommend closed reduction and K-wire fixation of the displaced supracondylar humerus as well as distal radius fractures. Any nerve palsy if present should be conservatively managed and should be observed for at least 6 weeks before considering surgical exploration.