The comparison of the results of treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures by skeletal traction and percutaneous K-wire fixation in children]

The aim of the study was to compare of the results of treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures by skeletal traction and percutaneous K-wire fixation in children. We assessed retrospectively the type and result of treatment of 23 children. We obtained very good results in all cases treated by closed reposition secured by percutaneous K-wire fixation. In the group treated by skeletal traction, in 5 cases reposition was inadequate with subsequent limitation of range of motion in the elbow joint. According to our results closed reposition and percutaneous fixation should be the method of choice in displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children.     

Combination of ipsilateral supracondylar humeral- and forearm fractures in children

In an 11-year period, from 01. 08. 1987 to 31. 08. 1998, a total of 72 children (mean age 7.6 years, range 2-12 years) with dislocated supracondylar humeral fractures were treated surgically in the Department for Traumatology, University Hospital, Essen. The combination of supracondylar humeral fracture and ipsilateral forearm fracture occurred in 8 children (11.1 %). 4 revealed a complete forearm fracture in the distal third, 4 children a fracture of the distal physis (Salter-Harris type II). The supracondylar humeral fractures were reduced openly via a single lateral approach and stabilized by crossed K-wire fixation. The distal forearm fractures were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Fractures of the distal physis were treated by closed reduction and application of an above elbow cast. Excellent results were achieved in all children with ipsilateral supracondylar and forearm fractures.     

Intraoperative radiation exposure in displaced supracondylar humeral fractures: a comparison of surgical methods

Crossed K-wires, descending elastic stable intramedullary nailing and radial external fixator are alternatives in the operative treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures. Only little knowledge of intraoperative radiation exposure exists in those procedures. We found average image intensifier times of 30.7 s for K-wires, 41.4 s for the external fixator and 80.0 s for elastic stable intramedullary nailing. Extensively increased fluoroscopy times was seen in cases switched from closed to open reduction intraoperatively. To avoid unnecessary intraoperative radiation exposure for patient, surgeon and staff, limits of radiation time are recommended as an additional indicator to change the surgical procedure to another fixation method or open reduction.     

Treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children at the orthopaedic ward of the Children's Hospital in Kielce]

Ninety five children in age from 4 to 12 years (61 boys and 34 girls) with displaced supracondylar distal humerus fractures were treated at the orthopaedic ward of The Children's Hospital in Kielce between I 2000-XII 2001. The method of choice was closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with Kirschner wires (74 children). We also used closed reduction and application of an above elbow cast (12 children), skeletal traction with fixation after swelling resignation (5 children), and open reduction and internal fixation (4 children). In 90 cases we did not observe any neurovascular disorders, and early functional results were good or satisfactory. 2 cases were associated with transient, postreduction radial nerve palsy. In 2 children surgical intervention was necessary due to external compression of the brachial artery in one case, and contusion with brachial artery spasm in another. In one girl we observed development of Volkmann's contracture (treated surgically with good functional result). The authors conclude that the closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation can be used as a treatment of choice for displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.     

Diametaphyseal forearm fracture in childhood. Pitfalls and recommendations for treatment

The optimal treatment for fractures in the diametaphyseal transition zone of the forearm is still a matter of debate. Stable fractures should be immobilized or treated by closed reduction when non-tolerably displaced. Unstable and displaced fractures can be treated by various operative techniques, which are all characterized by technical impracticability or disadvantages for the patient. In younger patients transepiphyseal intramedullary K-wire fixation represents a minimally invasive, quick and technically easy treatment option but requires additional immobilisation. In adolescent patients volar locking plate osteosynthesis constitutes an immobilisation-free treatment option, but is combined with high invasiveness. Percutaneous K-wire fixation and elastic stable intramedullary nailing may lead to poor results in the diametaphyseal region due to technical or biomechanical problems associated with the implant. The external fixator is indicated in some multifragmentary fractures. The choice of treatment option often results from an individual decision based on the patient??s age, complexity and stability of the fracture and interest of the patient. The priority objective of all treatment modalities is a fully functional upper extremity, i.e. full range of motion.     

两种方法治疗大龄儿童肱骨外科颈骨折的疗效比较

目的观察大龄儿童移位型肱骨外科颈骨折经闭合复位逆向弹性髓内针内固定以及克氏针内固定两种不同手术方法的临床疗效对比。 方法回顾性分析十堰市人民医院创伤骨科从2016年5月至2018年12月2.5年间符合纳入标准的手术内固定治疗的儿童及青少年移位型肱骨外科颈骨折45例患者，按照内固定方法分为两组：逆向弹性髓内针内固定23例(弹性髓内针组)；闭合复位克氏针内固定22例(克氏针组)。采用t检验或卡方检验分析骨折愈合时间，肩关节功能评分、并发症个数及优良率。 结果所有病例骨折均达到良好愈合，骨折愈合时间为(8.0±2.1)周。术后6周两组功能评分弹性髓内针组优于克氏针组(t＝5.295，P<0.05)；术后3个月功能评分无明显差异(P>0.05)。88.9%患者肩关节功能均达到了优良效果，两组优良率无明显差异(X²＝0，P>0.05)。弹性髓内针组有1例出现桡神经挫伤，2例出现弹性髓内针穿出；4例出现复位再丢失。但克氏针内固定组出现了克氏针松动、脱落4例；骨折复位丢失3例；无血管神经损伤并发症。 结论采用逆向弹性髓内针及克氏针内固定治疗儿童移位型肱骨外科颈骨折，都是微创、有效的治疗方法，值得临床推广运用。术者应选择熟悉的手术方法避免并发症。     

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.     

Lateral versus crossed wire fixation for displaced extension supracondylar humeral fractures in children

Reduction and percutaneous pin fixation is widely accepted treatment for displaced humeral supracondylar fractures in children, but the best pin configuration is still debatable. This study examined the outcome for crossed and lateral pins placement in type IIB and III supracondylar humeral fractures. Clinical notes and radiographs of 131 children with an average age of 6 years were retrospectively reviewed. Lateral pins fixation was used in 66 children and crossed wires in 65. The groups were similar with regard to gender, age, follow-up, severity of displacement and number of closed/open reductions. There was no statistical difference between the two groups either clinically or radiologically in the quality of outcome. However, postoperative ulnar nerve injuries occurred in 6% of patients treated with crossed wire fixation, whilst none of the group with pins inserted laterally suffered this complication. We recommend fixation of displaced humeral supracondylar fractures with two or three lateral pins inserted parallel or in a divergent fashion. This method of fixation gives similar results to crossed wires but prevents iatrogenic ulnar nerve injuries.     

Behandlung der kindlichen proximalen Humerusfrakturen

Due to the outstanding remodeling capacity of the proximal humerus region in children, the majority of proximal humeral fractures and epiphyseal separations are managed without reduction by application of a Gilchrist bandage for 3 weeks. This overview aims to describe the indications for reduction and operative fracture stabilization and to describe the techniques applied to treat these injuries in children and adolescents. A visible valgus deformity in children and displaced epiphyseal fractures in adolescents with reduced remodeling capacity of the proximal end of the humerus represent the main indications for operative treatment. When closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner (K) wire fixation is performed with the ends left through the skin, K-wires can be removed without general anesthesia in outpatient clinics and image intensifier radiation time is usually lower when compared with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). However, K-wire fixation results in limited biomechanical stability thus precluding postoperative functional treatment without immobilization. The ESIN procedure allows postoperative functional treatment but requires a second surgical procedure under general anesthesia for implant removal. The interposition of soft tissues such as the periosteum or in rare cases the tendon of the long head of the biceps muscle causes a considerable rate (50 %) of open reductions when performing operative fracture stabilization.     

Treatment of severely displaced proximal humeral fractures in children with elastic stable intramedullary nailing

We report on our 8-year experience of using elastic stable intramedullary nailing for severely displaced proximal humeral fractures in children. Fourteen patients (mean age 13.4 years) with seven epiphyseal and seven metaphyseal fractures underwent intramedullary nailing, using single nail fixation in 12 cases. Clinical and radiological healing was achieved at 2.4 and 3.2 months, respectively. Complications included temporary shoulder and elbow stiffness in one and four cases, respectively, one nail breakage at removal, two cases with minor humeral shortening, and two cases with minor varus deformity. At the final (14.6-month) follow up all patients had a symptom-free full range of motion. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is a valid method of treating severely displaced proximal humeral fractures in children.     

Closed reduction with percutaneous Kirschner wire drill-and-pry for pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures with bony callus formation and delayed presentation

BackgroundSupracondylar humeral fractures are the most common type of pediatric elbow fractures, and are primarily treated using closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. For patients who are treated ≥14 days after the injury, after callus formation has occurred, closed reduction is usually not possible. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical outcomes of closed reduction with percutaneous Kirschner wire (K-wire) drill-and-pry for the delayed treatment of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures with bony callus formation.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 16 patients who underwent percutaneous K-wire drill-and-pry between November 2019 and August 2021 for the treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures with bony callus formation ≥14 days after the injury. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Flynn criteria. The postoperative Baumann angle and pin configuration were evaluated using x-ray examinations.ResultsAll patients were followed up for 8–28 months (average, 16.63 months). The fractures healed in 4–6 weeks (average, 4.38 weeks). The operative time ranged from 10 to 124 min (average, 35.12 min). No iatrogenic vascular or nerve injury occurred. No patient developed cubitus varus. According to the Flynn criteria, 12 patients had excellent outcomes, 2 patients had good outcomes, 1 patient had a fair outcome and 1 patient had a poor outcome.ConclusionClosed reduction with percutaneous K-wire drill-and-pry is a mini invasive technique for supracondylar humeral fractures with bony callus formation in children. Most patients had a good clinical and cosmetic outcomes without scarring.     

The use of the 3-mm K-Wire to supplement reduction of humeral supracondylar fractures in children

BACKGROUND: Most children with humeral supracondylar fractures can be treated with simple closed reduction and cross-fixation with Kirschner (K)-wires. However, in a small proportion of cases, an acceptable closed reduction cannot be obtained, and open reduction becomes necessary. An alternative to open reduction is the use of a temporary 3-mm K-wire to manipulate and reduce the distal fragment. This report introduces the method of manipulation, as well as indications, and draws comparisons with complete close reduction cases. METHODS: Of 118 patients, 76 (64.4%) were managed with the standard closed reduction method and additional K-wire fixation to secure a good alignment (group 1). In the remaining 42 cases (35.6%), acceptable reduction could not be achieved by closed methods alone, and another temporary 3-mm K-wire was used to manipulate the distal fragment. After reduction of the fracture with the additional wire, standard cross K-wires were inserted to stabilize the fracture (group 2). As long as there was contact at the fracture site in cases of humeral supracondylar fracture, the traditional closed method was used easily to achieve excellent restoration. However, for cases in which the fracture site was totally displaced, and contact at the fracture site via traction was unsuccessful, a 3-mm K-wire was used to perform supplemental restoration treatment. All the patients, after the operation, were temporally immobilized with a long-arm splint for about 3 weeks. The fixation K-wires were removed after the radiograph had shown callus formation over the fracture site. Then the operation indications, operation methods and time, complications, and differences in range of motion were analyzed for these two sets of patients. RESULTS: The average group 1 surgery time was 18 minutes (range, 9-32 minutes), whereas the average surgery time for group 2 was 33 minutes (range, 15-45 minutes). Three cases in group 1 were complicated with ulnar nerve injury caused by the fixation wire. There were no ulnar nerve injuries in group 2. However, the ulnar nerve injury complication rates for the two groups (3 in 76 for group 1; 0 in 40 for group 2) did not reach statistical difference (p = 0.5502, Fisher's exact test). The union times for the two groups were almost the same (average, 3 weeks; range, 2-5 weeks). The 3-mm K-wire manipulation reduction cases and the closed reduction cases seemed to yield the same healing results in all aspects, except for the longer surgery time in group 2 (p < 0.0001). Both groups achieved satisfactory results. CONCLUSIONS: The closed reduction method should be used for children with humeral supracondylar fractures, whenever possible. The 3-mm K-wire manipulation method reduces the probability that open reduction will be required in some severe cases. This is a simple method without complications. The prognosis is the same as for closed reduction cases.     

Treatment of flexion-type supracondylar humeral fracture in children

PURPOSE: To assess the results of treatment for flexion-type supracondylar humeral fracture in children. METHODS: The treatment of 14 children with flexion-type supracondylar humeral fracture was reviewed. Severity was classified according to the Gartland system for extension-type fractures. Type-I fractures were treated with immobilisation in an extension cast. For type-II and -III fractures, closed reduction was first attempted followed by percutaneous pinning. If closed reduction failed, open reduction and internal fixation was performed. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for at least one year (range, 14-36 months). Treatment results were excellent in 7 patients, good in 4, fair in 3, and poor in none. Patients were pain-free and satisfied and none suffered any activity restriction. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is a good treatment option for type-II and -III flexion-type supracondylar humeral fractures.     

Displaced proximal humeral fractures: intramedullary nailing versus conservative treatment

Introduction A variety of different treatment options are available for displaced three- or four-part fractures. In a retrospective cohort study we evaluated the results of intramedullary nailing with the ACE nail and conservative treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures. Materials and methods Twenty-four patients suffered a neer 4, 5 or 6 proximal humeral fracture who were treated with intramedullary nailing. Sixteen patients received conservative treatment for their Neer 4, 5 or 6 fracture. Results Taking critical remarks in consideration, the results of intramedullary nailing are not very satisfactory compared to the conservative-treated group. However functional results of our operative group are comparable to those from other studies in literature. Conclusion Displaced three- or four-part proximal humeral fractures can be treated by intramedullary nailing. Familiarity with the fracture deformity and experience with the surgical techniques are critical for successful operative treatment outcome. Most complications in the operative treatment group can be avoided; inadequate reduction can lead to wrong insertion place with secondary problems (dislocation and subacromial impingement). Also future improvements in osteosynthesis like angle stable screw fixation (osteoporosis) and minimally invasive device will probably decrease the complication rate.     

Intramedullary Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation of femoral fracture in children

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of standard intramedullary Kirschner wires (K-wires) for the treatment of femoral shaft fracture in children. Methods We report the results of intramedullary K-wires nailing in 178 children with a mean age of 7.7 years (range, 4–14 years) from 2000 to 2005, retrospectively. A total of 184 diaphyseal femoral fractures were treated with both antegrade and retrograde nailing using the same principles of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). The patients were followed for 12 months on average (range, 6–24 months). Results No major complication (limb length discrepancy >15 mm, non-union, avascular necrosis, knee joint stiffness) occurred during the observation period. All fractures healed within 7.1 weeks on average (range, 5–12 weeks). Associated injuries were seen in 16.9% of the cases. All but seven fractures were reduced by closed manipulation. Early mobilization and weight bearing was allowed. Intramedullary K-wires were removed after an average of 4.8 months (range, 3–12 months) without any complications. Conclusions In children, intramedullary fixation by using standard K-wires provides effective treatment for the diaphyseal femoral fracture that has excellent clinical results. Each intramedullary K-wire costs US $5, which adds a cost effective advantage to this method of treatment.     

A systematic review of early versus delayed treatment for type III supracondylar humeral fractures in children

We performed a systematic review of early versus delayed treatment for type III Gartland supracondylar humeral fractures in children. We identified five non-randomised retrospective studies that fulfilled our criteria. We performed the analysis on 396 patients who sustained a type III supracondylar humeral fracture of which 243 (61.4%) belonged to the early treatment group and 153 (38.6%) belonged to the delayed treatment group. The planned treatment was closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation. We found that failure of closed reduction and conversion to open reduction was significantly higher in the delayed treatment group (22.9%) as compared with the early treatment group (11.1%). Our study provides evidence that type III supracondylar humeral fractures in children should be treated early within 12 h of injury.     

传统正骨手法复位经皮弹性髓内钉固定治疗儿童肱骨近端骨折

目的 :探讨儿童肱骨近端骨折采用传统正骨手法复位经皮弹性髓内钉固定治疗的临床疗效和安全性。方法:回顾2012年10月至2016年5月,运用传统正骨手法复位弹性髓内钉经皮内固定治疗65例,其中男52例,女13例;年龄7~14岁,平均11.2岁;左侧23例,右侧42例;斜形骨折13例,横形骨折49例,粉碎性骨折3例。全部为闭合性明显移位性骨折,不合并血管、神经损伤。就诊时间为伤后20 min~5 d,平均3 d。术后随访观察骨折愈合及并发症的发生情况,并运用Neer肩关节功能评分法评价疗效。结果:手术时间30~40 min,平均35 min;术中出血5~10 ml,平均6.5 ml。65例均获随访,时间12~28个月,平均18个月,骨折全部愈合。按照Neer肩关节功能评分法评价疗效,优59例,良5例,可1例。4例针尾部皮肤少许分泌物,2例皮肤激惹现象,1例部分退针,均在取针后愈合。无断钉及退钉现象造成的骨不愈合现象发生,无血管、神经损伤病例发生。结论:手法复位经皮弹性髓内钉固定治疗儿童肱骨近端骨折的方法,具有创伤小、恢复快、并发症少、操作方法简单等优点。     

克氏针固定治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折不同进针方式的比较

目的 通过克氏针固定治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折两种进针方式的疗效比较,探讨儿童肱骨髁上骨折内固定方式的选择.方法 在2004年1月至2009年1月收治的肱骨髁上骨折患儿中,选择骨折类型相似,而克氏针进针方式不同(内外交叉固定及外侧平行克氏针固定)两组共64例患儿.按照Gartland分型,内、外交叉克氏针固定组(交叉固定组)38例,其中Ⅱ型21例,Ⅲ型17例;外侧平行克氏针固定组(外侧进针组)26例,Ⅱ型18例,Ⅲ型8例.并对两组术后功能优良率进行统计学比较.结果 64例患儿术后获得6～54个月(平均26个月)的随访.两组关节功能优良率分别为92.1%和84.6%,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).但交叉固定组术后出现4例尺神经损伤,外侧进针组则无此情况发生.结论 采用克氏针内固定治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折,内外交叉和外侧平行进针固定效果相似,但外侧进针操作更简单,且可避免医源性尺神经损伤,是治疗GartlandⅡ、Ⅲ型肱骨髁上骨折的一种有效方式.

Abstract：

Objective To compare the treatment outcomes of techniques of K-wire fixation for treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures in children and provide guidelines for selection of internal fixation methods for humeral supracondylar fractures in children.Methods Sixty-four cases d humeral supracondlylar fractures in children were treated by K-wire internal fixation from January 2004 to January 2009.They were divided into 2 groups, with similar fracure types distributed to each group.Group one (crisscross K-wire fixation) contained 38 cases among which 21 were Gartlad Ⅱ fractures and 17 were Gartland Ⅲ fractures.Group two (lateral parallel K-wire fixation) cases contained 26 cases among which 18 cases were Gartland Ⅱ fractures and 8 cases were Garland Ⅲ fractures.Postoperative elbow functions were evaluated and compared between the two groups.Statistical analysis of the excellent-good rate was carried out.Results Postoperatively all 64 patients were follow-up for 6 to 54 moths (average 26 months).The excellent-good rate of elbow fiuctions in group one and two was 92.1% and 84.6%, respectively.There was no significant difference in functional recovery between the two fixation methods (P＞ 0.05).However ulnar nerve injury occurred in 4 cases of the crisscross K-wire insertion group, while none occurred in the lateral parallel K-wire insertion group.Conclusion Crisscross and lateral parallel K-wire fixation have similar clinical outcomes in treating humeral supracondylar fiactures in children.Lateral parallel K-wire fixation technique is simpler and can avoid the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury.It therefore is an effective method to treat Gartland Ⅱ and Ⅲ supracondylar humerus fractures.     

Treatment of multidirectionally unstable supracondylar humeral fractures in children. A modified Gartland type-IV fracture

BACKGROUND: There is an uncommon subset of supracondylar humeral fractures in children that are so unstable they can displace into both flexion and extension. The purposes of this study were to describe this subset of supracondylar fractures and to report a new technique of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for their treatment. METHODS: In a retrospective review of 297 consecutive displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children treated operatively at our institution, we identified nine that were completely unstable with documented displacement into both flexion and extension as seen on fluoroscopic examination with the patient under anesthesia. We used a new technique for closed reduction and fixation of these fractures, and then we assessed fracture-healing and complications from the injury and treatment. RESULTS: All nine fractures were treated satisfactorily with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. The complication rate associated with these unstable fractures was no higher than that associated with the 288 more stable fractures. Seven of the nine fractures were stabilized with lateral entry pin placement, and two fractures were stabilized with crossed medial and lateral pins. None of the patients had a nonunion, cubitus varus, malunion, additional surgery, or loss of motion. CONCLUSIONS: In rare supracondylar fractures in children, multidirectional instability results in displacement into flexion and/or extension. This fracture can be classified as type IV according to the Gartland system, as it is less stable than a Gartland type-III extension supracondylar fracture. These fractures can be treated successfully with a new technique of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, thus avoiding open reduction.     

两种手术方法治疗股骨干合并同侧股骨颈骨折的疗效比较

目的 比较股骨重建钉与逆行髓内钉加空心钉治疗股骨于合并同侧股骨颈骨折的疗效,探讨各自的手术适应证.方法 回顾性分析2001年1月至2010年5月收治的21例股骨干合并同侧股骨颈骨折患者资料,采用股骨重建钉固定10例(股骨重建钉组),逆行髓内钉加空心钉固定11例(逆行髓内钉加空心钉组).两组患者术前一般资料差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05),具有可比性.术后1、3、6、9、12个月及以后每年随访1次,通过临床和影像学评估骨折愈合情况和并发症的发生情况.结果 21例患者术后获12 ～48个月(平均27.1个月)随访.两组患者在手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流量、住院时间、股骨干骨折愈合时间、股骨颈骨折愈合时间及Friedman-Wyman功能评定结果等方面差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).股骨重建钉组住院费用高于逆行髓内钉加空心钉组,差异有统计学意义(t=16.710,P=0.016).两组股骨干骨折愈合率(9/10 vs.10/11)、股骨颈骨折愈合率(9/10 vs.11/11)差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).股骨重建钉组4例发生并发症,逆行髓内钉组7例发生并发症.结论 股骨干合并同侧股骨颈骨折的治疗应采取个体化原则.股骨重建钉更适用于股骨颈基底部骨折合并狭部及狭部以近的股骨干骨折;对于头下型、难复位的股骨颈骨折合并同侧股骨干远端骨折或需要同时处理的膝关节内损伤、关节周围骨折的患者,逆行髓内钉加空心钉更为理想.