[Surgical treatment of supracondylar fractures in pediatric patients using AO external lateral fixation technique]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de fracturas supracondíleas en pacientes pediátricos mediante técnica de fijación externa lateral AO.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the distal humerus represent 70% of fractures in children under 12 years. It is necessary to have knowledge about this type of injury, the therapeutic alternatives, and the possible complications. OBJECTIVE: To assess the functional results of the AO fixation technique in the management of humeral supracondylar fractures in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients admitted to the pediatric orthopedics service were surgically treated by external fixation AO method, from July 1 to December 31, 2018. The data were obtained by monitoring from admission of patients until discharge from the outpatient clinic performing the functional clinical evaluation using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score to evaluate the function of the elbow. RESULTS: We included 5 patients with humeral supracondylar fracture treated by external fixation AO method, with an average age of 6 years. Of the 5 cases, 3 (60%) suffered the right upper limb injury and 2 (40%) the upper left limb, 1 patient (20%) had partial radial nerve injury. The score obtained on the Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 80 points on average. CONCLUSIONS: The functional result of the treatment of humeral supracondylar fractures by means of AO external fixation technique, shows good results, positioning it as an alternative therapeutic treatment option.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las fracturas del húmero distal representan 70% de las fracturas en niños menores de 12 años. Es necesario contar con conocimientos sobre este tipo de lesiones, las alternativas terapéuticas existentes y las posibles complicaciones. OBJETIVO: Valorar los resultados funcionales de la técnica de fijación AO en el manejo de fracturas supracondíleas humerales en pacientes pediátricos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron los casos ingresados en el Servicio de Ortopedia Pediátrica intervenidos quirúrgicamente mediante fijación externa método AO, del 1o de Julio al 31 de Diciembre de 2018. Los datos fueron obtenidos mediante el seguimiento desde el ingreso hasta su alta de la consulta externa, realizando la evaluación clínica funcional mediante la Mayo Elbow Performance Score para evaluar la función del codo. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron cinco casos con fractura supracondílea humeral tratados mediante fijación externa método AO, con un promedio de edad de seis años. De los cinco casos, tres (60%) sufrieron la lesión en miembro superior derecho y dos (40%) en miembro superior izquierdo, un paciente (20%) presentó lesión parcial del nervio radial. El puntaje obtenido en la escala Mayo Elbow Performance Score fue de 80 puntos en promedio. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento de las fracturas supracondíleas humerales mediante técnica de fijación externa AO muestra resultados buenos, posicionándolo como una opción terapéutica alternativa de tratamiento.

[Treatment of the anterior tibial tuberosity for avulsion in adolescents]. / Tratamiento de la tuberosidad anterior de la tibia por avulsi6n en adolescentes.

INTRODUCTION: Avulsions of the anterior tibial tuberosity are infrequent lesions that nevertheless have long-term functional repercussions as a result of the lesion itself and of the treatment provided. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A series of 12 patients treated surgically from January 2008 to March 2012 was reviewed. Their diagnosis was Watson-Jones types II and III lesions; they were assessed by applying the Kujala functional scale and radiographically by measuring the tibial tuberosity index. The statistical analysis was done with central trend measurements and non-parametric tests. RESULTS: All patients were male and right knee lesions were slightly predominant. All of them participated in sports activities and the predominant mechanism of injury was forced knee hyperflexion. The evaluation using the Kujala scale showed excellent results. The tibial tuberosity index was not statistically significant with respect to the implants used. DISCUSSION: This type of injuries warrants surgical management to restore the function of the knee extensor mechanism.