Timing of surgical treatment for type III supracondylar humerus fractures in pediatric patients

Background  Type III supracondylar humeral fracture is a common cause of emergency hospitalization among children requiring surgical treatment. The configuration of the internal fixation material, surgical technique, and optimal timing of surgery (TS) have always been popular topics of debate. The TS in uncomplicated cases is usually determined by surgeons. Methods  In this study, we prospectively followed children with type III supracondylar fractures. We aimed to clarify the effects of injury side, gender, and post-injury delay on switching to open surgery and the ease of the reduction. Results  Based on our results, the probability of switching to open surgery increased by a factor of 4 every 5 h beginning 15 h after injury. Open surgery was necessary after 32 h. Conclusion  Reduction became technically more difficult as TS increased.