One-year follow up of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures with bone fragments

Abstract

Background The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and imaging outcome of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures with bone fragments on X ray film after closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation. MethodsA retrospective review of 12 children with fragments on image after closed reduction treatment for displaced humeral supracondylar fractures (Gartland III). Primary radiographic assessment included the outcome of the fragments, post-operative Baumann angle, Carrying angle and loss of reduction. The clinical outcome included elbow range of motion, Flynn grade and other complications.Results Totally there were 460 cases of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures (2-14 years old) , and 12 (2.6%) of the patients with bone fragments on postoperative X ray film were included. All 12 patients had bone fragments union or absorbed at 1 year after operation with good radiographic and clinical outcome. The mean Baumann angle was 15.5±4.3°, and the mean Carrying angle was 11.2±2.8°. All patients had a normal elbow range of motion, 10 patients obtained an excellent result, and 2 patients were good According to Flynn criteria. ConclusionsWe have good results for closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation treatments in 12 pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures with bone fragments. The fragments were mainly absorbed or union to humerus in one year after surgery.