RESUMO
145 displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children were treated by manipulation and alternative immobilization in flexion and extension of the elbow joint by a posterior plaster slab. After a period of follow up of 4-36 months, 62% of the cases had satisfactory results which were more prevalent among cases fixed in extension. Among the complications met with during treatment were, limitation of elbow flexion in 24.8% of cases and extension in 5.3%. This limited movement was found to improve with time. Changes in the carrying angle in 13.8% was also found, and was more prevalent in cases fixed in flexion rather than in extension. Hyperextension deformity of the elbow on the other hand was present in 3.4% of cases and mainly in cases fixed in extension