Clinical Observations of Internally Fixed Supracondylar Fractures of Humerus in Children

Yoo, Chong Ill; Song, Ju Ho; Park, Sang Ho; Kim, Ig Gon

Abstract

A supracondylar fracture of the humerus is the most common fracture of the elbow in children, and it may also be one of the most difficult fracture to treat. To obtain a good result after a supracondylar fracture of the humerus, an accurate reduction is needed. This region of humerus is very thin, and even if reduction is obtained it may be unstable. 104 children with 104 supracondylar fractures of the humerus were managed at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Busan National University Hospital from Jan. 1979 to Dec. 1983. Of 104 patients, 48 cases which fixed internally were reviewed and following results were obtained. 1. The average age was 7.6 years, ranged from 18 months to 15 years, and 68.8% were bodys. The left humerus was affected in 58.3%. 2. In type of fracture, extension type was 95. 8%. Type II was 12 cases (26.1%), Type III 22( 47.8 and Type IV 12 (26.1%). Posteromedial displacement was 75% (35 cases). 3. Average loss of motion was 11.9°, and change of carrying angle was 5.1° In change of range of motion by the final follow-up date, during 3 to 6 months that was relatively high by 37.5°, and then the change was improved. During 2 to 5 years the change was 5. 6°, and 1 to 2 years that was similiar to the whole average by 11.7°. 4. By the modified Mitchell & Adams criteria for grading results, excellent were obtained in 30.4%, good in 45.3% fair in 10.0% and poor in 6.3%. Namely, satisfactory was 93.7% and unsatisfactory was 6.3%.