ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Displacement of the distal fracture fragment is one of the most important facts that lead to cubitus varus fol owing pediatric supracondylar humeral fracture. Mainstream technique emphasized the restoration of posterior-ulnar deviation of the distal fragment. However, there is an absence of supportive evidences from biomechanical studies. OBJECTIVE:To establish models of extension-ulnar type of supracondylar humeral fracture and investigate the mechanical stability of reduced fracture with residual displacements within functional restoration standard, so as to provide mechanic evidences supporting the empirical rule of manipulative reduction-“better anterior than posterior, better radial than ulnar”. METHODS:The fresh cadaveric bone of right upper extremity from a 7-year-old child was scanned using CT. Models of supracondylar humeral fracture differing in contact area of the fracture site and displacement direction of the distal fragment were established and underwent loading tests. Stress in both anterior and posterior margin of the fracture site and Baumann angle were recorded, and data were analyzed and compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In comparison of stress in the posterior margin, the value was significantly greater in the posteromedial-displacement group than the others. Stress value in fracture with 75%contact area was significantly greater than the other three groups. In comparison of stress in the anterior margin, a significantly greater value was obtained in the posteromedial-displaced group. Stress value in fracture with 85%contact area was significantly greater. When comparing stress in posterior margin and anterior margin, the absolute increment of stress value was greater in posterior displacement group than in anterior displacement group. Baumann angle increased significantly when fragment displaced medial y. Above findings indicated that displacement direction altered the location of stress concentration. Stress augmentation was greater in posterior displacement group. Stress in related area significantly increased constantly when contact area of the fracture site reduced. Baumann changed obviously when fragment displaced medial y. The results preliminarily verify the hypothesis that displacement of the distal fragment was the main contributor to cubitus varus fol owing supracondylar humeral fracture. These findings provided certain evidences supporting the empirical rule“better anterior than posterior, better radial and ulnar”.