[Results of surgically treated paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures].

BACKGROUND

About 80 % of all paediatric distal humerus fractures are supracondylar fractures.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Surgically treated children with supracondylar humeral fractures between 2000-2008 were analysed retrospectively and re-evaluated for function, satisfaction, pain level and with the MAYO elbow performance score (MEPS).

RESULTS

46 patients were included. Open fractures (2 %) and vessel (0 %) or nerve (4 %) lacerations were rare, additional forearm fractures frequent (15 %). Surgery was done by closed/open reduction and crossed K-wire pinning. Main complications were movement restriction and K-wire migration. All fractures healed. 72 % of patients could be re-evaluated Ø 51 months after surgery. The mean differences between non-affected and affected elbows showed 8° for flexion, 1° for extension, 1° for pronation and 0° for supination. In 88 % excellent or good results could be measured with the MEPS.

CONCLUSION

Regarding bony healing in all patients, well manageable complications, mostly excellent or good results in the MEPS and good function, crossed K-wire pinning after closed/open reduction is a safe standard surgical procedure for this type of fracture.