Treatment of pediatric displaced supracondylar humerus fractures by fixation with two cross K-wires following reduction achieved after cutting the triceps muscle in a reverse V-shape
Abstract
Methods: The study included 98 pediatric patients (72 boys, 26 girls; mean age 7 years; range 3 months to 14 years). According to the Gartland classification, all the displaced supracondylar humerus fractures were type III, being of flexion type in 10 patients (10.2%), and extension type in 88 patients (89.8%). Five were Gustilo-Anderson type 1 open fractures. All fractures were approached posteriorly. Reduction was achieved by cutting the triceps muscle in a reverse V-shape, followed by fixation using two cross K-wires from the epicondyles. The results were assessed according to the criteria of Flynn et al. At final followups, elbow range of motion, the strength of the triceps muscle and, on radiographs, the carrying angle of the elbow, Baumann angle, and lateral humerocapitellar angle were measured. The mean follow-up was 42.6 months (range 7 to 80 months).
Results: According to the criteria of Flynn et al., 95 patients (96.9%) had perfect or good cosmetic results, 84 patients (85.7%) had perfect or good functional results. Elbow angles, elbow range of motion, and the strength of the triceps muscle were similar to those measured on the normal side (p>0.05). Time from injury to surgery did not have a significant influence on cosmetic and functional results (p>0.05). None of the patients exhibited procedure-related pin tract infection or insufficient bone union. Three patients (3.1%) developed cubitus varus deformity.
Conclusion: Reduction of pediatric displaced supracondylar humerus fractures may be achieved easily by the posterior approach, after cutting the triceps muscle in a reverse Vshape, and fixation with two cross-pinned K-wires provides adequate stability. This procedure does not result in weakness of the triceps muscle.
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Volkan Gurkan
This is me
Haldun Orhun
This is me
Ozan Akca
This is me
Tarcan Ercan
This is me
Sefa Ozel
This is me
Publication Date
August 12, 2008
Submission Date
March 7, 2014
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2008 Volume: 42 Number: 3