Treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children through an anterior approach is a safe and effective method

Abstract

In this prospective case series we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of using an anterior approach to paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. We gathered data on 46 children that had a displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus. All the patients had sustained a Gartland type III extension fracture that could not be reduced by closed means. Open reduction through an anterior approach was performed and two Kirschner wires were used to fix the fracture to the medial and lateral sides. Patients were recalled for follow-up and were evaluated using Flynn's radiological and clinical criteria. Loss of extension and flexion was noted by clinical assessment and carrying angle measured on radiograms. A follow-up examination performed in the 24th postoperative week showed that all fractures had healed; the patients' outcomes were rated as excellent or good according to Flynn's criteria. As a result the anterior approach for open reduction of paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures is a safe and reliable method with very good results.

Comparison of Kirschner wires and AO cannulated screw internal fixation for displaced lateral humeral condyle fracture in children

“…Lateral humeral condyle fracture, the second most common injury around the elbow, accounts for 10-20% of all fractures of the elbow in children with a high incidence between two and 14 years [1][2][3][4][5]. The fractures have a high risk for complications including nonunion, malunion, ulnar nerve paresis, hypertrophic scar, avascular necrosis of ossific nucleus and angular deformity [6][7][8][9].…”

Duration and Success of Nerve Rehabilitation after Elbow Injuries in Children

“…The supracondylar humerus fractures in children are of high incidence (69%) compared with other fractures of the elbow area and show a relatively high percentage of invalidity. 1,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] The statistical processing of cases shows that the most frequent elbow injuries are fractures, of which the most frequent is the supracondylar humerus fracture, with 78 cases (55.71%), followed by epicondylar and condylar humerus fractures, with 19 cases (13.57%).…”

Surgical Outcomes of Pediatric Humeral Supracondylar Fractures Treated By Posterior Approach and Triceps Splitting

“…The main aim of the treatment of displaced Gartland type III humeral supracondylar fractures in children is to gain a perfect anatomical reduction, full range of motion and cosmetically acceptable extremity [13][14][15][16]. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of these fractures has been accepted as a choice treatment in reaching these goals by many authors [17,18].…”