Gartland types IIB and III supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children: is Blount's method effective and safe?

BACKGROUND

Blount's method is controversial for the treatment of Gartland types IIB and III supracondylar fracture of the humerus (SCFH) in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes and the failure and complication rates.

METHODS

All types IIB and III SCFH treated with Blount's method from 2003-2013 were included in this retrospective single-center study. Clinical assessment was performed according to Flynn criteria. Baumann angle, anteversion angle, anterior humeral line, and humeroulnar angle were measured for radiographic assessment.

RESULTS

Among 447 children with types IIB and III SCHF, 339 were treated according to Blount's method. There were 173 boys (51%), and the mean age was 6.3 years (1-14 years); 71% were type III. Mean time to surgery was 5.7 hours. According to Flynn criteria, results were satisfactory in 91% of cases. No compartment syndrome was encountered. There were 16 (4.7%) secondary displacements requiring surgical revision. Five (1.9%) children developed a cubitus varus deformity. At latest follow-up, the mean Baumann angle was 74.7° (95% confidence interval, 74.1-75.3), the mean anteversion angle was 39.9° (95% confidence interval, 39.5-40.3), the anterior humeral line was normal in 87.6% of cases, and the mean humeroulnar angle was 8.7°.

CONCLUSION

Blount's method is appropriate to manage types IIB and III SCFH, provided anatomic and stable reduction is obtained.