Correlation between posteromedial or posterolateral displacement and cubitus varus deformity in supracondylar humerus fractures in children

Purpose Cubitus varus deformity is one of the most common complications after displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the fracture displacement and cubitus varus deformity in displaced supracondylar humerus fractures. Methods Seventeen patients (11 males/6 females; mean age 7 years) with cubitus varus deformities occurring after Gartland type III posteromedial or posterolateral displaced supracondylar humerus fractures were evaluated with clinical and serial radiographic examinations. All patients had been treated surgically by open reduction through a medial approach and percutaneous cross-pinning. All fractures were reduced anatomically. Ten of the patients were operated within the first 24 h. The time interval between the initial injury and the surgical procedure for the remaining seven patients was 5.3 days on average (range 2–10 days). The carrying angle and range of motion of the elbow were measured throughout the follow-up period. The mean follow-up time was 3.7 years (range 2–12 years). Results Five patients with type III-B fractures had a mean carrying angle loss of 8.8° (range 6–10°), whereas for the remaining 12 type III-A patients the mean loss was 15° (range 6–29°) (P = 0.019). None of the patients in this study demonstrated limited elbow motion. According to the Flynn criteria, the results were good in five type III-B patients. There was no statistically significant relationship between the loss of carrying angle and the delay before the surgical procedure (P = 0.615 in type III-A, P = 0.096 in type III-B). Conclusions The carrying angle loss was more significant in type III-A fractures compared with type III-B in this series. These results suggest that although anatomic reduction has been achieved by surgical treatment without loss of reduction, there is still a risk for cubitus varus deformity for type III-A fractures due to the initial compression of the medial column or, in other words, physeal injury.     

内侧入路克氏针内固定治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折

目的评价肘内侧入路克氏针内固定治疗儿童GartlandⅢ型肱骨髁上骨折的临床疗效。方法采用肘内侧入路、克氏针内固定、石膏外固定治疗86例GartlandⅢ型肱骨髁上骨折患儿。结果 86例均获随访,时间5-36个月。骨折全部愈合。无一例发生内固定移位;2例于术后出现轻度肘内翻畸形。肘关节功能根据F lynn评价标准：优81例,良5例。3例合并神经损伤患者6个月康复。无Volkmann缺血性肌挛、骨化性肌炎、缺血性肌坏死等并发症。结论肘内侧入路交叉克氏针内固定创伤小、并发症少且内固定可靠,是治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折安全有效的方法。     

Systematic pinning of displaced extension-type supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. A prospective study of 116 consecutive patients

We report the results of 116 consecutive displaced extension supracondylar fractures of the elbow in children treated during the first two years after the introduction of the following protocol; closed reduction under general anaesthesia with fluoroscopic control and lateral percutaneous pinning using two parallel pins or, when closed reduction failed, open reduction and internal fixation by cross-pinning. Eight patients were lost to follow-up during the first postoperative year. The mean follow-up for the remaining 108 was 27.9 months (12 to 47, median 26.5). At the final follow-up, using Flynn's overall modified classification, the clinical result was considered to be excellent in 99 patients (91.6%), good in five (4.6%) and poor in four (3.7%). All the poor results were due to a poor cosmetic result, but had good or excellent function. Technical error in the initial management of these four cases was thought to be the cause of the poor results. The protocol described resulted in good or excellent results in 96% of our patients, providing a safe and efficient treatment for displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus even in less experienced hands.     

Prevention of ulnar nerve injury during fixation of supracondylar fractures in children by 'flexion-extension cross-pinning' technique

No consensus exists concerning the best pin configuration for displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. Although cross-pinning is the most stable biomechanically, this configuration may cause iatrogenic ulnar nerve palsy. For the last 7 years, we have been using a three-pin fixation technique with insertion of two K wires from the lateral side (elbow in full flexion) and the third wire through the medial side (elbow in full extension). We used this technique in 67 displaced supracondylar fractures without any complications related to the ulnar nerve. The technique provides excellent stability and eliminates the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve palsy.     

Complications and timing of follow-up after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures: follow-up after percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the need for clinical evaluation with radiographs within 10 days of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for the treatment of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures. Between May 1 and December 31, 2001, the authors evaluated the complications with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of 104 displaced supracondylar humerus fractures. Fifty-two of the patients had the initial follow-up examination with radiographs 10 days or less after pinning; the other 52 patients had the initial follow-up examination with radiographs either after 10 days or on the day of pin removal. The overall complication rate for the series was 7.7% (8/104). All eight complications were in type III fractures. The early follow-up group had six complications; the late follow-up group had two complications. Baumann's angle, lateral humerocapitellar angle, and lateral rotational percentage were not significantly different between the two groups. The only variable tested that was associated with a complication was pin configuration. No association between late follow-up and complications was identified. The authors conclude that clinical and radiographic evaluation of routine displaced supracondylar humerus fractures requiring closed reduction and percutaneous pinning may be safely delayed until pin removal.     

Supracondylar nailing of periprosthetic fractures above total knee arthroplasties

Supracondylar nailing was performed in 10 patients who sustained periprosthetic fractures above total knee arthroplasties. The fractures occurred in women with an average age of 67.4 years (range, 42–92 years). All fractures healed in a satisfactory alignment in an average duration of 13.2 weeks (range, 12–18 weeks). None of the fractures needed bone grafting. There were no cases of wound infections, nonunion or delayed union. All patients achieved satisfactory range of movement of the knee joint and preoperative functional status. Main complications included loosening of a distal screw in one patient and fracture above the short nail following a second injury in another patient. Use of a longer nail where possible and a condylar bolt for distal locking can easily avoid these complications. We conclude that supracondylar nailing, despite some limitations, is a satisfactory method of treatment for a majority of displaced periprosthetic fractures above well-fixed total knee arthroplasties.     

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.     

Does the technique of lateral cross-wiring (Dorgan’s technique) reduce iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury?

In this study we compared the results of patients with displaced supracondylar humeral fractures who had been treated with all lateral cross-wire and medio-lateral cross-wire fixation techniques. Only the 139 patients who were able to attend the final examination were included in the assessment. The patients were allocated retrospectively into two groups according to the pin configuration used. Group 1 comprised 75 patients, 60 male and 15 female, with a mean age of 7.5 years (range, 1.5–14 years). After closed reduction, fixation was achieved with crossed K-wires placed from the lateral condyle and lateral humerus towards the medial epicondyle. Care was taken so that the end of the K-wire passing from the lateral humerus did not protrude excessively at the level of the medial epicondyle. Group 2 comprised 64 patients, 54 males and ten females, with a mean age of 7.8 years (range, 2–13 years). After closed reduction, two cross-wires passed—one from medial and one from lateral. In group 1 there was no postoperative iatrogenic nerve damage whereas in group 2 iatrogenic ulnar nerve damage developed in six (9%) patients. On statistical evaluation, a significant difference was seen between the two groups. According to Flynn’s criteria, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. In conclusion, the lateral cross-wire fixation technique may be a good choice in the treatment of paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures as it reduces the possibility of ulnar nerve damage and achieves the same level of stabilisation as medio-lateral fixation.     

Bone quality measured by the radiogrammetric parameter “cortical index” and reoperations after locking plate osteosynthesis in patients sustaining proximal humerus fractures

Aim  To analyse the radiogrammetric parameter “cortical index” (CI) and its predictive value for proximal humerus fractures. Furthermore, to investigate the reoperations and the cause of reoperations after locking plate osteosynthesis of displaced proximal humerus fractures. Patients and methods  113 consecutive patients (73 women and 40 men) with a median age of 66 years (range 18–100 years) were included in this study. The median follow-up time in our database was 4.7 years (range 45–72 months). For a comparative matched-group analysis of the CI, patients with a fall on the shoulder without fracture were selected. Demographic data and all reoperations were recorded after median 58 months postoperatively. The CI was measured at the proximal humeral diaphysis. Results  The CI showed to be significant lower in the fracture group (mean 0.28) when compared to the matched group (mean 0.47, p < 0.01). 39% patients underwent a reoperation within 40 months postoperatively. 24% were reoperated within the first 12 months postoperatively, and 15% were reoperated after 12 months or later. The reoperation was independent of bone quality (p = 0.85). Conclusions  The risk for reoperation is independent of the CI even though the CI may be a predictor for proximal humerus fracture. Younger patients should be aware that surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures might be a two-stage surgery. Regular follow-up visits for older patients during the first postoperative year must be assured.     

Intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus treated with the triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle approach

Introduction: Treatment choice for displaced, intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) through a posterior approach. The triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle (TRAP) approach, combination of modified Kocher and Bryan-Morrey has been described as a conservative surgical exposure for fixation of the complex intercondylar fractures. Materials and methods: Eleven patients with intercondylar fractures of the humerus operated with this approach were reviewed. The mean follow-up was 26 (14–40) months. The aetiology of injuries was mostly fall on the elbow. There were five females and six males and the average age of the patients was 58.3 years (range 16–70 years). Results: According to Müller et al.’s classification; five were Type C1, four were Type C2 and, two were Type C3. At the final follow-up; Type C1 and C2 fractures had a ROM of 116° (range 95°–140°) and, Type C3 fractures had a ROM of 85° which showed limitation of elbow motion. Average humerotrochlear angle is 93.4° (range 90°–98°). Two patients had transient n.ulnaris paraesthesia and one had heterotopic ossification. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that TRAP approach is extensile enough in treating these complex fractures however both articular reconstruction and fixation can be easily managed without creating an olecranon fracture. No significant triceps weakness and dysfunction was observed after TRAP approach in the treatment of the intercondylar fractures of the humerus. Preliminary results of this study was presented at the 6th European Trauma Congress in Prague, Czech Republic on 16-19 May 2004. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Low incidence of ulnar nerve injury with crossed pin placement for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures using a mini-open technique

OBJECTIVES: Several recent studies have suggested that medial pinning in pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures leads to increased rates of ulnar nerve injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in a consecutive series of supracondylar fractures treated using a standardized technique of crossed pin placement. DESIGN: Single cohort retrospective. SETTING: Metropolitan university tertiary care center. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-one consecutive children with Gartland type II or type III supracondylar humerus were treated surgically by 2 pediatric orthopaedic surgeons at 1 institution between 1995 and 2000 using a medial mini-open and cross-pinning technique. Sixty-five patients were available for follow-up (92%). INTERVENTION: Patients were treated with a combination of medial and lateral pins using a mini-incision technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes analyzed included ulnar nerve injury and clinical and radiographic evidence of healing. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 65 patients, of whom 29 (45%) presented with Gartland type III fractures, and the remaining 36 (55%) presented with a type II fracture. There were no ulnar nerve motor injuries. One patient was noted to have transient sensory changes in the ulnar nerve distribution postoperatively, which resolved by the 1-week follow-up visit. All patients were noted to have normal ulnar motor and sensory nerve function at final follow-up (average 4.5 months). No cases of nonunion, malunion, or infection were identified during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury with this specific technique of crossed pin placement for extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures was extremely low in this series. A single case of transient ulnar sensory neuropraxia occurred. Our series demonstrates that crossed pin fixation can be performed safely and reliably and is an appropriate treatment option for unstable supracondylar humerus fractures.     

Open reduction of displaced pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures through the anterior cubital approach

The authors performed a retrospective review of the anterior cubital approach, an alternative exposure for displaced pediatric supracondylar fractures. Anatomic structures that hinder reduction, such as the brachialis muscle or joint capsule, and neurovascular tissues can be identified easily with this approach. Sixty-one children with displaced supracondylar humeral fractures were treated surgically with Kirschner wires using the anterior cubital approach between January 1996 and August 2002. The cohort comprised 35 boys and 26 girls with a mean age of 8.7 years (range 3-13 years). Mean follow-up was 3.5 years (range 1-6 years). Preoperatively 13 children (21.3%) had a neurovascular insufficiency that required an exploration during the operation. All patients were reduced completely with full anatomic position. On follow-up, no patient had any scar formation or deformity or experienced any restricted motion. The authors conclude that the anterior cubital approach is very effective and is an option for the treatment of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures without serious complications.     

Minimally invasive surgical techniques for irreducible supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children

Background?Treatment of severely displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children remains a challenge. We retrospectively assessed the outcomes of the minimally invasive open reduction techniques used in our institutions for the treatment of grade 3 supracondylar fractures in children which could not be reduced by closed manipulation.

Patients and methods?78 children (58 boys) with severely displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus and severe swelling were treated with either a minimal incision in the anticubital fossa and manipulation of the distal fragment with the thumb, or a small stab incision and manipulation of the fracture fragment with a small-sized suction tip. The fractures were stabilized with 1.6-mm Kirschner wires.

Results?and interpretation?The outcome after a follow-up of at least 3 years was excellent in 76 cases and poor in 2 cases. No scar contractures or other complications were observed. These techniques seem safe and effective in the treatment of irreducible grade 3 supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.

?     

Comparison of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning versus open reduction and percutaneous pinning in displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.

A retrospective review of 29 children with displaced supracondylar humerus fractures was performed. Fifteen patients treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning and 14 patients treated with open reduction and percutaneous pinning were evaluated at a minimum of 18 months (range 18-80 months). Results were graded according to the criteria of Flynn et al. (Flynn JC, Matthews JG, Benoit RL: Blind pinning of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 56:263-272, 1974) using both cosmetic and functional evaluations. Excellent or good results were obtained in 14 of the 15 fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning and in 12 of the 14 fractures treated with open reduction and percutaneous pinning. The three fair cosmetic results were associated with inadequate reduction and residual medial angulation. Ten to 15 degrees of motion loss occurred in three older patients. One patient in each group had a minor pintract infection. There were no cases of iatrogenic nerve injury or myositis ossificans. The treatment goal in displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children is anatomic reduction. If an anatomic reduction cannot be achieved with closed reduction, open reduction is indicated. This can be done without an increased risk of complications.     

Fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients treated with a ring fixator

The aim of distal humerus fracture treatment is articular surface reduction and stable fixation for early mobilisation and rehabilitation. This is usually performed by open reduction and internal fixation with plates. In the elderly osteoporotic patient this treatment is difficult to achieve due to fixation failure in fragile bone. We present our experience with treatment by closed reduction and external fixation with a non-bridging ring fixator in distal humerus fractures in elderly patients. There were ten females, aged 70–89 (average 78.4). Fracture types (AO/ASIF) included three supracondylar fractures (type A) and seven intercondylar fractures (type C). All patients were treated by closed reduction and external fixation with a non-bridging ring fixator of the distal humerus and immediate postoperative mobilisation of the elbow. External fixation was removed on an average of 72 days (range 62–90). All fractures united. Average time to union was 56 days. Average range of movement at six months was 22° extension lag (range 15°–30°) and 115° flexion (range 110°–120°). Complications included one patient with transient radial palsy and one patient with a superficial decubitus ulcer on the chest wall from the hardware. Minimally invasive treatment by closed reduction and external fixation with a ring fixator is effective for treatment of fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients with osteoporotic bone. This treatment enables immediate mobilisation of the elbow, and allows return to function. It should be considered an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation or total elbow replacement.     

Compartment syndrome in ipsilateral humerus and forearm fractures in children

Ipsilateral fractures of the humerus and forearm are uncommon injuries in children. The incidence of compartment syndrome in association with these fractures is controversial. The authors reviewed 978 consecutive children admitted to the hospital with upper extremity long bone fractures during a 13-year period. Forty-three children with ipsilateral fractures of the humerus and forearm were identified. Of 33 children with a supracondylar humerus fracture and ipsilateral forearm fracture, three children (7%) had compartment syndrome develop and required forearm fasciotomies. All three cases of compartment syndrome occurred among nine children with ipsilateral displaced extension supracondylar humerus and displaced forearm fractures; the incidence of compartment syndrome was 33% in this group. These findings suggest that children who sustain a displaced extension supracondylar humerus fracture and displaced forearm fracture are at significant risk for compartment syndrome. These children should be monitored closely during the perioperative period for signs and symptoms of increasing intracompartmental pressures in the forearm.     

Surgical management for late presentation of supracondylar humeral fracture in children

PURPOSE: To report the results of surgical management for late-presenting displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. METHODS: Between February 2002 and June 2003, 40 children (mean age, 7 years) with late presentation (range, 2-12 days) of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures were prospectively recruited. Gentle closed manipulation under image intensification was attempted in all patients, except one with a compound open fracture. Manipulation was successful in 25 patients and percutaneous skeletal stabilisation with Kirschner wires was performed. The remaining 15 patients were treated with open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation, using a mediolateral approach. RESULTS: The mean delay in presentation was approximately 4 days. No patients presenting more than 7 days after injury had the fracture reduced by closed manipulation. The mean hospital stay was 41 hours. At the final follow-up (mean, 18 months), 88% of the patients had a satisfactory result, according to Flynn's criteria. CONCLUSION: Operative treatment for late presentation of supracondylar humeral fractures in children is effective. It minimises the risk of complications and the need for continuous traction or corrective osteotomy.     

Minimally invasive surgical techniques for irreducible supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children

BACKGROUND: Treatment of severely displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children remains a challenge. We retrospectively assessed the outcomes of the minimally invasive open reduction techniques used in our institutions for the treatment of grade 3 supracondylar fractures in children which could not be reduced by closed manipulation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 78 children (58 boys) with severely displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus and severe swelling were treated with either a minimal incision in the anticubital fossa and manipulation of the distal fragment with the thumb, or a small stab incision and manipulation of the fracture fragment with a small-sized suction tip. The fractures were stabilized with 1.6-mm Kirschner wires. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: The outcome after a follow-up of at least 3 years was excellent in 76 cases and poor in 2 cases. No scar contractures or other complications were observed. These techniques seem safe and effective in the treatment of irreducible grade 3 supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.     

Open medial placement of Kirschner wires for supracondylar humeral fractures in children

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of our protocol for treatment of displaced Gartland type-3 supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. METHODS: Records of 43 children with displaced Gartland type-3 supracondylar fractures of the humerus admitted from October 1997 to October 2003 were reviewed. Patients were treated within 12 hours of admission by closed reduction (n=33) or open reduction (n=10). Crossed medial and lateral Kirschner wires through a medial approach were used in all patients. A 3-cm incision was made medially to identify the correct entry point of the medial wire, and thus prevent ulnar nerve injury. The incision was extendable for open reduction if closed reduction was unsuccessful. RESULTS: The mean age of the 43 patients was 7.2 years (range, 2-14 years). The mean follow-up period was 48 months (range, 12-84 months). 83% of the fractures occurred in boys. All fractures were closed, extension type, with 28 (65.1%) involved the right elbow. No patient had iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. All patients showed satisfactory results according to Flynn criteria. CONCLUSION: If closed reduction is unsuccessful, open reduction and open medial placement of crossed Kirschner wires can provide reliable results. The small medial incision provides a viewing point for entry of the wire and prevents iatrogenic injury of the ulnar nerve. It is cosmetically more acceptable and can be extended to facilitate open reduction.