scholarly journals Displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children: Comparison of three treatment approaches

2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 46-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinisa Ducic ◽  
Marko Bumbasirevic ◽  
Vladimir Radlovic ◽  
Petar Nikic ◽  
Zoran Bukumiric ◽  
...  

Introduction. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning are the most widely used treatment options for displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children, but there is still no consensus concerning the most preferred technique in injuries of the extension type. Objective. The aim of this study was to compare three common orthopaedic procedures in the treatment of displaced extension type supracondylar humerus fractures in children. Methods. Total of 93 consecutive patients (66 boys and 27 girls) referred to our hospital with Gartland type II or III extension supracondylar humeral fractures were prospectively included in the study over a six-year period. At initial presentation 48 patients were classified as Gartland type II and 45 as Gartland type III fractures. The patients were subdivided into three groups based on the following treatment modality: closed reduction with percutaneous pinning, open reduction with Kirschner wires (K-wires) fixation, and closed reduction with cast immobilisation. The treatment outcome and clinical characteristics were compared among groups, as well as evaluated using Flynn?s criteria. Results. Excellent clinical outcome was reported in 70.3% of patients treated with closed reduction with percutaneous pinning and in 64.7% of patients treated with open reduction with K-wire fixation. The outcome was significantly worse in children treated with closed reduction and cast immobilisation alone, as excellent outcome is achieved in just 36.4% of cases (p=0.011). Conclusion. Closed reduction with percutaneous pinning is the method of choice in the treatment of displaced pediatric supracondylar humeral fracture, while open reduction with K-wire fixation is as a good alternative in cases with clear indications.

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 780-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew T. Pennock ◽  
Lissette Salgueiro ◽  
Vidyadhar V. Upasani ◽  
Tracey P. Bastrom ◽  
Peter O. Newton ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 427-436
Author(s):  
Piotr Zając ◽  
Piotr Zając

Background. The paper presents a treatment algorithm for supracondylar humeral fractures in children, involving temporary use of skeletal traction following failure of primary closed reduction and percutaneous fixation (CRPF) and introducing closed reduction after management by skeletal traction. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of supracondylar humerus fracture treatment performed according to the algorithm. Material and methods. The treatment was performed in 149 children (70 girls, 79 boys) with extension-type supracondylar humeral fractures. The study group was assessed with regard to a modified Gartland classification, neurological complications (12 children, 8%) and vascular complications (8 children, 5.4%). A total of 124 (83.2%) patients underwent emergency CRPF and 24 children (16.1%) received skeletal traction after a failed CRPF. After 2-6 days, an elective repeat CRPF procedure was attempted, which was successful in 17 children. The attempt failed in the other 7 children, who received traction and underwent open reduction under a single anesthesia. One child (0.7%) with a white and pulseless hand was treated by emergency open reduction and percutaneous fixation. Results. The study used the Flynn criteria modified by the author. After 6 months, the results in the group treated with CRPF (both primary and following skeletal traction) were good in 90.8% of patients, satisfactory in 8.5%, and poor in 0.7%, whereas in the open reduction and percutaneous fixation group, the results were good in 87.5% of cases and satisfactory in 12.5%. Conclusions. 1. X-ray-guided closed reduction and percutaneous K wire fixation is a method of choice in the treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children. If closed reduction fails, the surgeon is faced with a choice between primary open reduction and the use of direct traction through the olecranon. 2. The use of skeletal traction following failure of primary emergency CRPF results in local improvement in the fracture region and allows for scheduling an elective repeat delayed closed reduction and percutaneous K wire fixation procedure. 3. The algorithm used in clinical practice, based on literature reports and the author’s experience, helps achieve good treatment outcomes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-34
Author(s):  
Rojan Tamrakar ◽  
Ramod Khanal ◽  
Balakrishnan M. Acharya ◽  
Nabees Man Singh Pradhan ◽  
Suman Kumar Shrestha

Introductions: Cross or two lateral pinnings are the most commonly done procedures for displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children. A crossed pin is biomechanically stable than lateral pins, but associated with risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. Recent studies have shown stable fixation with three lateral pin construct. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three lateral divergent pinning for displaced supracondylar humerus fractures.Methods: Thirty five children with Gartland types III were treated between November 2012 and November 2013. Closed reduction and three lateral divergent pinning was done with image intensifier guidance. Patients were followed up for minimum 6 months. Radiological assessment was done to see union, proper pin placement and loss of reduction. Clinically, patients were assessed by using Flynn criteria.Results: There were 24 (68.6%) male and 11 (31.4%) female children between 2 to 13 years of age with displaced supracondylar fractures, left side 26 (74.3%) and right nine (25.7%) cases. All were successfully managed with closed reduction and three lateral divergent pins within 2-6 days of injury. One radial and one median nerve palsies sustained at injury recovered spontaneously. No iatrogenic nerve injuries occurred. A comparison of perioperative and final radiographs revealed no loss of reduction. Twenty-seven excellent, five good, two fair and one poor results on Flynn’s grading. One patient had a superficial pin-tract infection.Conclusions: Closed reduction with three lateral divergent pins is safe for stable fixation of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-wei Xie ◽  
Juan Wang ◽  
Zhi-qiang Deng ◽  
Ren-huan Zhao ◽  
Wei Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Lateral condylar humerus fractures (LCHFs) are the second most common fractures in children. Open reduction and internal fixation is recommended for fractures displaced by more than 4 mm. Few studies described using closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) for treating fractures with greater displacements. This study aims to explore the feasibility of CRPP in treating displaced LCHFs. Methods: All patients underwent attempted CRPP first. Once a satisfying reduction was obtained, as determined using fluoroscopy based on the relative anatomical position of the fragments, an intraoperative arthrogram was performed to further confirm the congruence of the articular surface of the distal humerus. Open reduction and fixation are necessary to ensure a fracture gap less than 2.0 mm both on anteroposterior view and oblique internal rotational view by fluoroscopy. All included fractures were treated by a single pediatric surgeon.Results: Forty-six patients were included, 29 boys and 17 girls, with an average age of 5.2 years. Of these, 22/28 (78%) Jakob type II fractures and 14/18 (78%) Jakob type III fractures were treated with CRPP. All cases in Song stages II and III, 19/25 (76%) cases in Song stage IV, and 14/18 (78%) cases of Song stage Ⅴ were treated with CRPP. The remaining converted to open reduction with internal fixation. Overall, 36 of the 46 patients (78%) were treated with CRPP. The average pre-op displacement was 7.2 mm, and the average post-op displacement was 1.1 mm on the anteroposterior or oblique internal rotational radiograph in cases treated with CRPP. CRPP was performed in an average of 37 minutes. The average casting period was 4 weeks and the average time of pin removal was 6 weeks postoperatively. The average time of follow-up was 4 months. All patients achieved union, regardless of closed or open reduction. No infection, delayed union, cubitus varus or valgus, osteonecrosis of the trochlea or capitellum, or pain were recorded during follow-up. Conclusions: Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning effectively treats LCHFs with displacement more than 4 mm. More than 3/4 of Song stage V or Jakob type III patients can avoid an incision.


2012 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelangelo Scaglione ◽  
Daniele Giovannelli ◽  
Luca Fabbri ◽  
Dario Dell’Omo ◽  
Andrea Goffi ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Achraf H. Jardaly ◽  
Ketrick LaCoste ◽  
Shawn R. Gilbert ◽  
Michael J. Conklin

Objectives. Complications following treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures are typically seen shortly postoperatively. Late complications occurring years after percutaneous pinning are rare but can be indolent and have permanent sequelae. We present cases of children presenting with late deep infections to discuss their diagnosis and treatment. Methods. After institutional review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed records of three children who developed deep infections at least one year after percutaneous pinning of their supracondylar humerus fracture. Patient details and outcomes were analyzed. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed along with each patient’s clinical course and treatment. Results. We report 3 cases of osteomyelitis and/or septic arthritis presenting at least one year after supracondylar humerus fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. The patients required several irrigation and debridement procedures with placement of antibiotic beads in addition to a prolonged course of antibiotics. Conclusion. Delayed deep infections can occur after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures in children. Vigilance is required to diagnose and treat such occurrences, and prolonged follow-up is needed to monitor for recurrent or intractable infections.


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