Anatomical and functional results after treatment of dislocated supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.

From 1972 to 1983 105 patients were admitted with a dislocated supracondylar fracture of the humerus. The average follow-up was five years. In general the functional results of treatment were good. The anatomical results were less satisfactory, and most times concerned varus deformities of the elbow, which did not influence the elbow function. Lesions of arteries and nerves only occurred in seriously dislocated fractures. The isolated nerve injuries were reversible. Two patients developed a Volkmann's ischemic contracture; their case history is discussed. In 24 cases a second reduction was performed and/or a new therapy instituted. Closed reduction with plaster necessitated alteration of the therapy in 10 out of 23 cases. Based on this experience and the long average duration of hospitalization of 14 days, closed reduction under general anaesthesia with percutaneous K-wire fixation seems to be the treatment of choice.