floating elbow in children

ABSTRACT

Floating elbow injury in children is uncommon, treatment modalities are controversial; varying between the conservative and the surgical methods. Closed reduction and minimally invasive fixation were the treatment protocol in the current study. Concomitant ipsilateral supracondylar humerus and forearm fractures in 14 children were treated by immediate closed reduction and percutaneous fixation. All fractures were dis-placed, and were open in 3 children. Vascular insufficiency was present in 5; it improved after fractures reduction and fixation. Nerve palsy was diagnosed in 6; it resolved spontaneously within 12 weeks after injury. There was no compartment syndrome.Were assessed clinically and radiographically at a minimum of 18 months after injury. Twelve children had excellent or good and 2 had fair results. Favorable outcome could be obtained with less complications