The treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children

Abstract

This retrospective study compares the long-term results of the treatment of 135 children with displaced extension-type supracondylar fractures of the humerus using 3 different methods. Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation was superior with excellent and good results in 87% and had the lowest incidence of poor results (8%). Open reduction and wire fixation, and closed reduction with a plaster cast gave excellent and good results in 74% and 60% respectively. Closed reduction and wire fixation is recommended as the treatment for grades II and III supracondylar fractures.

Lateral External Fixation-A New Surgical Technique for Displaced Unreducible Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children

“…In most cases, fixation is achieved either with use of bilateral crossed Kirschner wires or with use of two Kirschner wires that are inserted through a lateral approach [9][10][11][12][13] . One of the problems with Kirschner wire fixation is the risk of persistent instability 14,15 .…”

The Comparison of Lateral versus Triceps Splitting Posterior Approach in the Surgical Treatment of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

“…[10,11,25] Poor results after open reduction and fixation are believed to be result of delay in treatment. [26] Present study operations were all performed on first day of admission, which likely contributed to low rate of complications (3 superficial pin infections).…”

Gartland Type II Supracondylar Humerus Fractures, Their Operative Treatment and Lateral Pinning Are Increasing: A Population-Based Epidemiologic Study of Extension-Type Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children

“…A conservative manner usually means casting or cuff and collar immobilization . [37][38][39] However, in this study, collar and cuff were not used without an aboveelbow cast, because it was not a current practice in the institution. In this study, type III fractures were most usually treated operatively, which is agreeable with the current concepts.…”