[Surgical treatment of distal humerus fractures in children].

From 1955 to 1987 414 children with supracondylar fractures of the humerus were treated at the surgical department of the University of Erlangen. Most important for the choice of treatment in supracondylar fractures was the classification of Baumann. 33 children concerning stage I were treated with cuff and collar or cast. Out of 381 patients with stage II and III Baumann's extension was used in 352 children; 29 had to be operated. The operation was indicated in a further 56 children. 20 of these had a lesion of the condylus radialis, 18 of the epicondylus ulnaris, 8 children showed diacondylar, 3 transcondylar lesions, 3 children had injuries of the condylus ulnaris and 4 more children showed splintered fractures. In 234 patients a follow-up was carried out according to the scheme of Morger. In 91% there was an ideal or good late result, in only 2% of the patients the result was unsatisfactory. The majority of distal fractures of the humerus can be treated conservatively with good results; operative treatment does not improve the functional and cosmetic results. It is indicated in complicated forms of fracture, in which satisfying results are not to be expected by conservative treatment.