Supracondylar fracture of humerus; radiological assessment of closed reduction by Baumann angle

ABSTRACT

To assess closed reduction by Baumann angle in supracondylar fractures humerus treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. This prospective study of 50 patients who presented with displaced supracondylar fracture of humerus in children between ages 1-12 years were admitted to Orthopedic and Trauma unit of Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar over period from January 2008 to July 2009. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning were performed under general anesthesia and postoperative reduction was assessed by Baumann angle. All patients were followed for one year. Mean age of the patients was 7.02 years +/- 2.25 SD. Loss of Baumann angle in injured side was range from 2° to 8°. Loss of carrying angle in injured side was range from 3° to 9°. When Baumann angle and carrying angle of both sides were compared the mean Baumann angle loss and carrying angle loss were 5.360 +/- 2.22 SD and 4.320 +/- 1.52 SD respectively. Using Flynn's criteria 36 [72%] patients out of 50 patients with carrying-angle loss considered to be excellent results and 14[28%] good results. Neither of the patient developed cubitus varus deformit y after one year of follow-up. Baumann angle of the humerus is a simple and reliable measurement of closed reduction that can be used to predict final carrying angle in supracondylar humeral fractures in children