Delayed surgical treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in children using a medial approach

Purpose The appropriate management of supracondylar humerus fractures in children is frequently delayed due to various factors, and there is still no agreement on the treatment of choice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of delayed treatment of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures on the treatment results and complication rate. Methods A total of 31 children with supracondylar humerus fractures who had not received adequate treatment for their displaced fractures were included in this study. The conditions leading to delayed treatment mainly included severe swelling or skin problems around the elbow and the health facility problems unique to our district. The mean delaying time was 6 days (range 2–19 days). There were 24 males and 7 females with a mean age of 7 years (range 1–13 years). The fractures were classified as type III-A (n = 15; 48%) and type III-B (n = 16; 52%) according to Gartland. Surgical treatment consisting of sentiment manual reduction through a medial approach and percutaneous cross-pinning was applied to all. No image intensifier was used during the procedures. A long-arm splint was used for post-operative immobilization. Results The average hospital stay was 2 days (range 1–3 day) and the patients were followed clinically and radiographically for an average of 4 years (range 2–11 years). Pins were removed at the end of the third week post-operatively, at which time the range of motion exercises were begun. None of the patients required physical therapy and full functional recovery was achieved within 3 months in 29 (93.5%) patients and within 5 months in the remaining 2 (6.5%). Two (6.5%) pre-operative nerve injuries (1 interosseous, 1 ulnar) were resolved spontaneously within 3 months post-operatively. At the final follow-up, 7 (22.5%) patients had cubitus varus deformity. Except for 2 (6.5%) pin-tract infections, which were resolved by oral antibiotics and pin removal, none of the patients had early or late complications, not even neurological deficit or myositis ossificans. Conclusions Delayed presentation of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children did not increase complication rates or unsatisfactory results following an open reduction. Medial approach and cross-pinning is an effective and reliable treatment method for these fractures.     

Varus deformity in supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children

Eighty cases of supracondylar fracture of the humerus at the elbow in children have been analysed. The post-reduction radiograph of the fracture was classified depending on the residual deformity present and related to the loss of carrying angle and cubitus varus deformity at the time of follow-up. Fifty-four per cent of the displaced fractures showed a loss of carrying angle greater than 5 °, and of these, 23 per cent developed cubitus varus deformity. Eighty-five per cent of those cases with a loss of carrying angle greater than 10 ° showed either residual tilt or medial rotation on the post-reduction radiograph. All cases in which there was residual medial tilt after manipulation and 40 per cent of those with medial rotation on the post-reduction radiograph developed cubitus varus.

In our series, there was no evidence of epiphyseal injury causing the deformity and in none of the cases was the deformity progressive. It is suggested that, in order to reduce the incidence of varus deformity in supracondylar fractures, open reduction and internal fixation is indicated in those fractures in which tilt or medial rotation cannot be reduced by conservative means.     

伸直位石膏夹板固定治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折

目的:探讨非手术治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折预防肘内翻畸形的有效方法。方法:自1992年5月至2013年12月,采用手法复位伸直位石膏夹板外固定治疗无神经血管损伤的儿童肱骨髁上骨折319例,男253例,女66例;年龄1岁3个月～13岁,平均6.7岁。伸直型肱骨髁上骨折284例,屈曲型肱骨髁上骨折35例。左侧167例,右侧152例。受伤至治疗时间1 h～7 d,平均1.8 d.不包括神经血管损伤病例及手术病例。结果:所有患者获得随访,时间3个月～14年,平均37.3个月。所有患儿获得骨性愈合,骨折愈合时间6～8周,平均6.9周。无严重肘内翻畸形、血管神经损伤或Volkmann挛缩等并发症发生。183例提携角与自身健侧一致,在5°～15°范围内,105例提携角较自身健侧有不同程度的减小,26例在复位时即有尺偏者提携角在-5°～0°,5例在复位时即有桡偏者提携角在15°～18°,基本不影响外观。所有病例肘关节活动度正常。结论:肘关节伸直位石膏夹板固定对预防儿童肱骨髁上骨折非手术治疗后的肘内翻畸形具有一定价值,希望有更多学者做进一步的研究。     

Post-traumatic cubitus varus in children (apropos of 8 cases in African children)]

The author describes his experience after treatment of 8 cases of cubitus varus secondary to displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in African children. Measurement of the Baumann angle is necessary for the assessment of cubitus varus. The median angle is 24 degrees with a range of 10 degrees to 45 degrees. Indications were dictated by functional problems, discomfort, and esthetic considerations. The surgical treatment consisted in a supracondylar osteotomy of the humerus for correction of cubitus varus.     

Baumann角的放射学测量及其临床意义

测定了48例2～13岁正常小儿及71例肱骨髁上骨折小儿的Baumann角.结果提示Baumann角与提携角之间存在非常显著的相关性(P<0.01),骨折复位后Baumann角可用来准确地预测提携角,并有效地防止肘内翻畸形的发生.     

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. A modified technique for closed pinning

Complications in the treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus (DSFH), particularly cubitus varus, are a persistent problem. A prospective study was conducted on 20 children with DSFH, using a modified technique to reduce and pin the fracture. All fractures were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. After the fracture was internally fixed, intraoperative anteroposterior roentgenograms of each distal humerus were compared, using Baumann's angle. The reduction was accepted if Baumann's angle on the fractured extremity was within 4 degrees of that on the normal side. If the angles were not within 4 degrees, the closed reduction and percutaneous pinning was repeated. In this prospective series, all patients had a reduction to within 4 degrees of the normal side before they left the operating room. Three weeks after percutaneous pinning, the pins were removed and range of motion was begun. All patients returned for clinical and roentgenographic examination. With an average follow-up period of 17.2 months, all patients had excellent or good results. No patient developed cubitus varus deformity. Strict adherence to the guidelines of the protocol prevented cubitus varus deformity in this series of children with DSFH.     

Corrective French's osteotomy in treatment of cubitus varus]

Cubitus varus is the most common late complication of supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children. The normal carrying angle can be restored by supracondylar osteotomy. This operation using the technique described by French. was done in 10 patients. During follow up examination motion of the cubitus was assessed and compared with an uninjured side. The x-ray examination included evaluation of the carrying angle. Favourite results were confirmed by restoration of carrying angle with minor loss of mobility of the elbow joint with no recurrence of the varus deformity during follow up.     

Supracondylar humeral osteotomy in children with severe posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity

The authors report the results of corrective osteotomy of the humerus in 11 children with severe posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity. The average carrying angle on the affected side was -24.4 degrees, and there was an average internal rotation deformity of the distal humerus of 22 degrees. Flexion and extension of the injured elbow were severely limited. A supracondylar lateral wedge osteotomy of the humerus was performed keeping the medial cortex intact. Two K-wires served as levers to correct the angular and rotational deformity of the elbow and then as fixation material to hold the osteotomy fragments. Postoperatively we immobilized the elbows in 90 degrees flexion for 3 to 4 weeks. There was no loss of the postoperative osteotomy alignment in most cases. Recurrence of mild varus deformity (-5 degrees and -7 degrees) occurred in only two patients. At the end of the follow-up we observed excellent results in 9 patients with an average carrying angle of 7.2 degrees (range 5-10 degrees).     

儿童后内侧和后外侧移位肱骨髁上骨折和肘内翻畸形之间的关系

目的探讨儿童后内侧和后外侧移位肱骨髁上骨折和发生肘内翻畸形之间的关系。方法采用闭合复位克氏针内固定治疗33例GartlandⅢ型肱骨髁上骨折患儿(ⅢA型18例,ⅢB型15例),术后辅以石膏托外固定3~4周。术后在肘关节正、侧位X线片上测量提携角和肘关节的运动范围,观察提携角变化,分析移位方向和肘内翻的关系。结果患儿均获随访,时间1~2年。18例ⅢA型骨折者提携角丢失15.2°±5.1°,15例ⅢB型骨折者提携角丢失8.8°±3.5°。ⅢA型骨折与ⅢB型骨折致肘内翻的程度比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。患者均未出现肘关节活动受限。根据Flynn标准:18例ⅢA型骨折患儿中10例为良,8例为差;15例ⅢB型骨折患儿中9例为良,6例为差。结论ⅢA型骨折较ⅢB型骨折出现肘内翻的可能性更大。即使术后得到了解剖复位,ⅢA型骨折仍可能导致肘内翻畸形,这可能是ⅢA型骨折中内侧骨皮质的压缩,或伴有骨骺损伤所造成。     

肱骨髁上成角旋转中心微创截骨外固定治疗青少年肘内翻畸形

目的 :探讨采用肱骨髁上成角旋转中心(center of roration of angulation,CORA)微创截骨外固定治疗青少年肘内翻畸形的临床疗效。方法:自2013年8月至2017年8月,采用CORA微创截骨外固定治疗肱骨髁上骨折导致的青少年肘内翻畸形患者15例,其中男9例,女6例;年龄13～16岁,平均14.5岁;左侧11例,右侧4例;受伤至手术时间6～10年,平均7.5年,其中5例有肘内翻手术史术后复发。观察患者的矫正时间、骨折愈合时间及提携角,并采用Laupattarakasem标准进行疗效评价。结果:15例患者获得随访,时间12～30个月,平均24个月;畸形矫正时间3～5周,平均4周;骨愈合时间4～6个月,平均5个月;提携角由术前的-12°～-23°提高至术后的9°～14°。根据Laupattarakasem标准,本组优11例,良3例,可1例。结论:采用肱骨髁上CORA微创截骨外固定治疗青少年肘内翻畸形,具有微创、出血少、术后早期功能锻炼,矫形速度、角度可控,无须住院取除外固定等优点。     

Prevention of cubitus varus deformity in supracondylar fractures of the humerus

Based on cadaveric experiments, peroperative observations and clinical study, an exact mechanism is described by which full pronation of the forearm prevents cubitus varus deformity in supracondylar fractures of the humerus. The significance of the position of the upper limb in relation to the chest is described, and it has been demonstrated that even the posterolaterally displaced supracondylar fractures are better reduced and maintained in pronation.     

Displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children treated by overhead olecranon traction

A simple method is described of treating severely displaced, supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children, and the results are reviewed. Treatment involves the use of overhead traction via an olecranon screw and a traction clip. Of 12 children treated in this way, 11 had excellent results with preservation of the normal carrying angle, and no significant loss of movement in any plane. There were no complications of the treatment and no cases of cubitus varus.     

儿童严重不稳定型肱骨髁上骨折的治疗体会:附Gartland Ⅳ型8例报道

目的 探讨严重移位的、屈曲及伸直位均不稳定的小儿肱骨髁上骨折Gartland Ⅳ型治疗。方法 对2008 年3月～2010年8月我院收治的8 例儿童严重的Gartland Ⅳ型肱骨髁上骨折的手术治疗疗效进行评价,分析此类型小儿肱骨髁上骨折手法复位失败的原因和切开复位克氏针固定的治疗效果。结果 8例Gartland III型肱骨髁上骨折患儿均接受切开复位及克氏针内固定术,早期进行肘关节功能锻炼,总体效果良好。随访1～3年,无一例发生骨不连,肘内翻,神经损伤。结论 Gartland III型肱骨髁上骨折切开复位仍是主要治疗手段。同时,早期进行肘关节功能锻炼,是提高本种类型骨折治疗疗效、防止肘内翻畸形发生的关键。     

Posterior instability of the shoulder after supracondylar fractures recovered with cubitus varus deformity

Cubitus varus is a common complication after supracondylar fractures of the humerus, and there have been several discussions about the timing of correction of deformity. Although surgery is performed mainly for cosmetic purposes, the authors in this article show the relationship between cubitus varus and dislocation of the ulnar nerve and posterior instability of the ipsilateral shoulder with a Bankart lesion in three children. A special type of osteotomy to obtain three-dimensional correction was made. All shoulders were found to be clinically stable at follow-up with full pain-free range of motion. Corrective osteotomy of the distal humerus itself corrected the varus angulation and dislocation of the medial portion of the triceps in two patients and prevented the ulnar nerve from dislocating. The authors' experience illustrates the importance of biomechanics in understanding the pathoanatomy of cubitus varus; this deformity should not be regarded as a cosmetic deformity and should be treated early.     

Cubitus varus: problem and solution

A lateral closing wedge osteotomy was performed in 39 children with cubitus varus deformity resulting from a supracondylar fracture. All had a deformity of 15° or more, with 5 having more than 30° of varus. The osteotomy was fixed by three different methods. In 8 cases the osteotomy was fixed with 2 parallel Kirschner wies (group K). A modified French technique (group TBW) was used in 25 cases and held with a figure-of-8 wire loop tightened over the screw heads. In the last 6 cases the osteotomy was fixed with an external fixator (group EF). The only poor result (i.e. loss of carrying angle of more than 10° and loss of flexion and extension of 20° or more) was in group K due to pin tract infection and loosening of the K-wires. In the TBW group 5 patients lost some degree of correction, and none became infected. In the EF group no patient suffered pin tract infection or loss of correction. Based on our experience and results, we feel that the best age at which to correct cubitus varus deformity was 6–11 years and that the external fixator is a safe, effective and reliable method to fix the osteotomy. We propose this method of fixation as a good alternative method to the modified French technique, especially in cases of severe cubitus varus deformity, where removal of a large wedge can produce a big step at the osteotomy site, increasing the possibility of disengagement of the stainless steel wire from the screw head. In addition, minor postoperative modifications of correction, if required, can also be performed. It also avoids a second operation for implant removal. Received: 5 August 1999     

Correction of cubitus varus by French or dome osteotomy: a comparative study

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of two different techniques of supracondylar osteotomy, French osteotomy and dome osteotomy, for the correction of posttraumatic cubitus varus. METHODS: A comparative randomized study was undertaken of 25 patients (average age 10 years) with an established posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity (mean time from injury to corrective osteotomy, 1.7 years). Patients were followed-up with for 1 year, and carrying angle, Baumann's angle, and internal rotation deformity were measured. Postoperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: A significant (p < 0.01) correction of carrying angle and Baumann's angle was achieved with both techniques, with no statistically significant differences between them. Although internal rotation deformity was corrected by both techniques, the correction was significantly greater with the dome osteotomy (p < 0.01). However, the persistence of internal rotation did not seem to affect the final outcome. There was a higher incidence of postoperative complications in the dome osteotomy group, including infection (1), inadequate correction (1), nerve palsy (1), loss of motion (5), and circulatory compromise (1). CONCLUSION: The dome osteotomy is technically more difficult than the French osteotomy and has a higher incidence of complications. We suggest that the French osteotomy be used for the correction of cubitus varus after supracondylar fractures of the elbow in children.     

Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus in children with delayed presentation

Objective: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus account for 60% of all the fractures around the pediatric elbow and even in developed countries 18% of patients undergo surgery 48 hours or longer following presentation in the hospital. Management guidelines are not clear yet for these patients who present late. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical, radiological and functional outcome following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of widely displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus presenting 12 hours or more after injury.Methods: We reviewed the functional and radiological results of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning using crossed K-wires in 40 patients with displaced extension type supracondylar fracture of the humerus (Gartland type Ⅲ) with a delay of more than 12 hours in presentation. The average age of patients was 4.5 years and the mean delay in presentation was 17.55 hours.Results: Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning was successful in 90% of patients. The mean follow up period was 15 months. The Baumann's angle was restored within 4 degrees of the unaffected side in all patients. Use of a small medial incision in patients with severe swelling helped us avoid ulnar nerve injury. Using Flynn's criteria,38 patients (95%) had an excellent result. Two patients had mild myositis and both had a poor result. None of the patients developed cubitus varus.Conclusion: Closed reduction and crossed pinning of displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus in children is a safe and effective method even with delayed presentation.     

儿童移位肱骨髁上骨折的三级筛选式治疗

目的:制定儿童移位肱骨髁上骨折的规范化治疗方案,避免和减少并发症的发生。方法:对136例骨折中轻度肿胀的89例采用手法复位,失败的38例连同重度肿胀的42例采用骨牵引复位,牵引复位失败中的23例(10例拒绝手术治疗)连同陈旧性骨折的5例采用手术切开复位的三级筛选式治疗,并对其疗效进行分析评价。结果:手法复位成功51例,骨牵引后复位成功47例,手术切开复位成功28例。10例手法复位失败后拒绝手术治疗,后期发生肘内翻。随访136例,时间3~48个月,骨折均在3个月内愈合,肘内翻畸形26例,占19%。无筋膜间室综合征、伤口及针孔感染的发生。结论:三级筛选式治疗方案可明显提高肱骨髁上骨折的闭合复位成功率,降低手术率,避免和减少了并发症的发生,是一种理想的治疗手段。     

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus: a prospective study of percutaneous pinning.

In 1981, we designed a protocol to treat displaced supracondylar fractures using a modified technique of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. After the fracture was internally fixed, intraoperative anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of each distal humerus were compared. The reduction and pinning was accepted only if the radiographs demonstrated that Baumann's angle was < or = 4 degrees of that on the normal side. Seventy-one patients had clinical and radiographic evaluations at an average of 2 years 6 months after the operation. According to Flynn's criteria, the results were satisfactory in 70 patients and unsatisfactory in one. No patient had a cubitus varus deformity at follow-up evaluation.     

Severely displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children: a simple method of treatment

A simple form of overhead olecranon traction has been used to treat 27 children with severely displaced supracondylar fractures, in whom a satisfactory reduction could not be obtained by closed means. All the children were assessed clinically and radiologically at an average of 54 weeks after injury. Twenty-two children (81%) had an excellent result, with preservation of the normal carrying angle and no significant loss of movement; the other five children had a good result. Only two children (7%) were left with a minimal cubitus varus deformity. The method is technically easy to perform and has not been associated with significant complications.