Conservative treatment of the displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children

ABSTRACT

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