Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children

ABSTRACT

Supracondylar fracture of the distal humerus is the most common elbow fracture in children [60% of elbow fractures]. The peak age for Supracondylar fractures is between 6 and 7 years. This fracture is classified into extension or flexion injuries based on radiologic appearance. Between November 2002 and August 2005 120 child in the age group between 4 years and 13 [with mean age 7.1 years] including 80 boys [67.7%] and 40 girls [33.3%] with left elbow involvement in 71 patients and right elbow in 49 patients with displaced Supracondylar humeral fracture were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning under image intensifler control using crossed pins for fixation [1.6 or 1.8 K-wires].The follow up ranged between 9 and 12 months. The patients are assessed according to both functional [Range of Motion] and Cosmetic factors [Carrying angle] and the overall results were excellent in 89 cases [74.1%], good in 21 cases [17.5%],fair in 2 cases [1.7%] and poor in 8 cases [6.7%] losed Reduction and percutaneous pinning is safe, cost effective and allows direct assessment of the carrying angle of the extended elbow after fracture stabilization