Clinical Analysis of Supracondylar Fracture of The Humerus in Children

Chung, Yung Khee; Cho, Won Ho; Park, Jung Soo; Chang, Ik Yull; Ko, Young Duck

Abstract

130 cases of the suprarcondylar fractures of the humerus in children were analysed. 60 cases were immobilized with plaster splint without closed reduction. 22 cases were closedly reduced and immobilized with plaster splint. 47 cases were closedly reduced and were fixed percutaneously with K-wires. 39 cases were operatively reduced and were fixed with K-wires. The following results were obtained. 1. The average age was 7.9 years, and the male and female ratio was 2.7: 1. 2. The extension type was 96.2% and the flexion type was 3.8%. 3. The left side (64.6%) was more frequently involved. 4. As associated complications, nerve injury (4.6%), vascular injury (2.3%), open fracture (2.3%), and associated fracture (2.3%). were developed. During treatment incomplete ulnar nerve palsy (2.3%), pin tract superficial infection(3.1%), severe cubitus varus deformity(4.6%), severe limitation of elbow motion(11.6%) were also developed. 5. Final results in the Holmberg's 4 Groups according to Mitchell & Adams' criteria showed that the more the displacement of fracture is increased, the more the poor result is also increased. 6. In spite of the selection of the more severe cases for surgery, the results of the operative cases were better than those achieved by closed reduction in the easier cases. 7. In the displaced fractures, immediate open reduction brings the satisfactory results and minimizies the sequellae.