Treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures among children: Crossed versus lateral pinning

This retrospective study evaluated different pinning configurations used in the treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures among children, mainly regarding maintenance of fracture reduction and avoidance of complications. The fractures (41 type II and 67 type III) of 108 children (mean age 6.48 years) were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning: 37 with crossed pins, 37 with two lateral pins and 34 with two lateral and one medial pin. Mean follow-up period was 7.4 months. Type III fractures fixed by two lateral pins were found significantly prone to postoperative instability, late complications and need for medial pin fixation. There was a significant relation between either delay to surgery or postoperative instability and occurrence of complications. Final outcome was significantly poorer in type III than in type II fractures. Fixation by two lateral pins only is not recommended for treating type III supracondylar humeral fractures, but could be used initially to fix severely unstable fractures to allow extension of the elbow before inserting a medial pin. Every effort should be made to avoid iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury while inserting the medial pin.     

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.     

Fracture stability after pinning of displaced supracondylar distal humerus fractures in children

Between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 1997, we evaluated 138 children with displaced supracondylar distal humerus fractures treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. There were 49 type II fractures and 89 type III fractures. Three principal pin configurations were used at the surgeon's discretion: 2 lateral pins (42 fractures), 1 medial and 1 lateral pin (37 fractures), and 1 medial and 2 lateral pins (57 fractures). There was no statistically significant difference in clinical stability between these groups. One type III fracture pinned using two lateral pins showed marked rotational instability. We recommend using two lateral pins when treating type II fractures. Type III fractures should be treated using two lateral pins initially and, if the elbow demonstrates significant intraoperative rotational instability, a medial pin should be added. If a medial pin is necessary, and the ulnar nerve cannot be identified by palpation, a small incision should be made and the pin placed under direct vision.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Cross pinning of supracondylar fractures from a lateral approach. Stabilization achieved with safety

Purpose Various pin configurations are possible to stabilize a supracondylar fracture. While cross pinning gives the best stabilty the disadvantage is the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. We combine a cross pin fixation with a lateral approach. The aim of the study was to prove our method retrospectively to show the advantage of lateral cross-pinning achieving stabilty and avoiding ulnar nerve injury. Method Between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2002, 84 supracondylar fractures were treated with invasive surgical procedure. The intention was a primary closed reduction. Following closed reduction under general anaesthesia, two K-wires were introduced from the lateral side, one ascending and the other descending. If it was not possible to perform a closed reduction, an open reduction was performed by medial–lateral crossed K-wire fixation. After either an open or closed reduction, the pins were buried under the skin. The results were evaluated using Flynn’s score. The mean time of follow-up was 18.9 months. Results Seventy-seven percent of the patients were treated with a closed reduction, while 23% needed an open reduction. A clinical follow-up examination was done at an average of 18.9 months following the trauma. Of those treated with a closed reduction alone, 93% had an excellent or good functional result. Of those requiring an open reduction, 88% had excellent or good result. None of our patients exhibited secondary dislocation or iatrogenic ulnar palsies. Conclusion Closed reduction and lateral crossed pin fixation with ascending and descending K-wires buried under the skin is an effective method to treat type II and III supracondylar fractures in children. The method gives stability and avoids iatrogenic ulnar nerve injuries.     

Treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children through an anterior approach is a safe and effective method

In this prospective case series we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of using an anterior approach to paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. We gathered data on 46 children that had a displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus. All the patients had sustained a Gartland type III extension fracture that could not be reduced by closed means. Open reduction through an anterior approach was performed and two Kirschner wires were used to fix the fracture to the medial and lateral sides. Patients were recalled for follow-up and were evaluated using Flynn’s radiological and clinical criteria. Loss of extension and flexion was noted by clinical assessment and carrying angle measured on radiograms. A follow-up examination performed in the 24th postoperative week showed that all fractures had healed; the patients’ outcomes were rated as excellent or good according to Flynn’s criteria. As a result the anterior approach for open reduction of paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures is a safe and reliable method with very good results.     

Beware of ulnar nerve entrapment in flexion-type supracondylar humerus fractures

Purpose A recent study reported a higher incidence of pre-operative ulnar nerve symptoms in patients with flexion-type supracondylar fractures than in those with the more common extension supracondylar fractures and a greater need for open reduction (Kocher in POSNA paper #49 2006). We have encountered a specific pattern of flexion supracondylar fractures that often require open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) due to entrapment of the ulnar nerve within the fracture. Methods Medical records and X-rays from 1997 to 2005 at our children’s hospital were examined to identify flexion supracondylar fractures that required open reduction. The operative reports were reviewed to identify cases that had the ulnar nerve blocking the reduction. Results During the 8 years examined, 1,650 supracondylar fractures had been treated by means of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Of these, only 1.8% or 30 cases could not be reduced closed and required open reduction internal fixation, excluding 11 open fractures. Of the 30 fractures requiring open reduction internal fixation, 24 were of the extension type needing ORIF because of interposed periosteum/muscle. The other 6 patients had flexion-type supracondylar fractures that failed closed reduction. All had a persistent medial gap at the fracture site. All 6 fractures had interposed periosteum or muscle, while in 3 cases the ulnar nerve was also entrapped within the fracture site (Figs. 1, 2) Conclusion Flexion-type supracondylar fractures remain a relatively uncommon variant (2–3%) of supracondylar fractures. Recent reports have noted that open treatment of these fractures is required more frequently than for extension fractures. In our series, 20% of the open cases were flexion-type fractures and in half of these the ulnar nerve was found to be entrapped in the fracture, preventing reduction. Study conducted at Rady Children’s Hospital and Health Center. No financial support was received for this project.     

Displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. Audit changes practice

We performed an audit of 71 children with consecutive displaced, extension-type supracondylar fractures of the humerus over a period of 30 months. The fractures were classified according to the Wilkins modification of the Gartland system. There were 29 type IIA, 22 type IIB and 20 type III. We assessed the effectiveness of guidelines proposed after a previous four-year review of 83 supracondylar fractures. These recommended that: 1) an experienced surgeon should be responsible for the initial management; 2) closed or open reduction of type-IIB and type-III fractures must be supplemented by stabilisation with Kirschner (K-) wires; and 3) K-wires of adequate thickness (1.6 mm) must be used in a crossed configuration. The guidelines were followed in 52 of the 71 cases. When they were observed there were no reoperations and no malunion. In 19 children in whom they had not been observed more than one-third required further operation and six had a varus deformity. Failure to institute treatment according to the guidelines led to an unsatisfactory result in 11 patients. When they were followed the result of treatment was much better. We have devised a protocol for the management of these difficult injuries.     

Sagittal plane analysis of the open and closed methods in children with displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus (a radiological study)

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the radiological outcome of open and close reduction and osteosynthesis methods in the treatment of type II and III supracondylar humerus fractures in childhood with respect to the immediate post-operative reduction quality in sagittal plane. METHOD: One hundred and forty four-pediatric patients with type IIb and III supracondylar humerus fractures treated at two centers between 1995 and 2005 were evaluated radiologically within a retrospective study. Seventy-six patients (54 boys, 22 girls, mean age 7.6, range 2-12) were treated by closed reduction and cross percutaneous pinning while 68 (49 boys, 19 girls, mean age 7.3, range 2-13) were treated by open reduction. The reduction quality of the open and closed groups was compared on immediate post-operative lateral radiographs by measuring of lateral humerocapitellar angle, anterior humeral line and anterior coronoid line criteria. The reduction quality was classified excellent, good, fair and poor according to the achievement of three, two, one or none of the criteria, respectively. Reductions classified as excellent and good were introduced as acceptable results. RESULTS: At least one criterion was achieved in all the patients of both the groups. The mean humerocapitellar angle was 30.1 degrees in closed reduction group while the mean of it was 29.8 degrees in open reduced group. Radiograph of 48 (63.1%) patients with closed reduction were found to display the anterior humeral line intersecting the middle one-third of capitellum while this criteria was 45 (66%) in open reduction group. The anterior coronoid line was disturbed in three patients in each of both the groups. The reduction quality was evaluated to be excellent in 32 patients, good in 31, fair in 13 at the closed reduction group while these evaluations were 31, 20 and 17 in open reduction group, respectively. Successful reduction was achieved in 74.9% of the patients in closed reduction group and 75% of the patients in open reduction group. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that there was no significant difference between closed and open reductions of pediatric displaced supracondylar fractures with regard to the radiological criteria of reduction quality in sagittal plane.     

Evaluation of the role of pin fixation versus collar and cuff immobilisation in supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children

Long term results of children with supracondylar humeral fractures treated with manipulation and strapping and manipulation followed by pin fixation were evaluated. Forty patients were regarded as Gartland type II injuries. 33 of these were treated with closed reduction and collar and cuff immobilisation and 7 with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Two cases of cubitus varus were reported one from each treatment modality. Forty-four patients were included as Gartland type III injuries. Of these 14 were treated with closed reduction and collar and cuff immobilisation, 25 with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning and five with open reduction and pinning. There were two cases of cubitus varus and one case of cubitus valgus following pin fixation. In addition one case of extension lag and one significant ulnar nerve neurapraxia was recorded following pin fixation. One case of cubitus varus was seen following manipulation and collar and cuff treatment. There was no statistical difference between either treatment modality in terms of predicting a better outcome (p0.05).We conclude that pin fixation has no advantages over simple immobilisation in certain Gartland II and III type injuries. Although pin fixation is beneficial in unstable injuries collar and cuff immobilisation continues to have an important role in the treatment of stable supracondylar fractures.     

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.     

闭合复位弹性髓内钉固定术与切开复位克氏针固定术治疗儿童桡骨颈骨折疗效比较

目的通过与切开复位克氏针固定术比较,分析闭合复位弹性髓内钉固定术治疗O’BrienⅢ型儿童桡骨颈骨折的疗效。方法 2007年11月-2010年11月,收治31例O’BrienⅢ型桡骨颈骨折患儿,其中18例采用闭合复位弹性髓内钉固定术治疗(闭合复位组),13例采用切开复位克氏针固定术治疗(切开复位组)。两组患儿性别、年龄、病程、骨折分型等一般资料比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),具有可比性。结果术后两组患儿切口均Ⅰ期愈合。31例均获随访,随访时间1～2年,平均1.5年。闭合复位组2例发生伸直受限;切开复位组6例发生屈、伸或旋前功能受限。末次随访时,闭合复位组肘关节屈、伸、旋前、旋后活动度与健侧比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);切开复位组除旋后活动度与健侧相似(P>0.05)外,屈、伸、旋前活动度均小于健侧,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。肘关节功能根据Metaizeau等的标准评定,闭合复位组获优16例,良2例;切开复位组获优4例,良4例,一般3例,差2例;组间比较差异有统计学意义(Z=3.435,P=0.001)。X线片复查示,术后内固定物取出前两组骨折均解剖复位;取出后切开复位组4例发生骨折再移位,闭合复位组无骨折再移位。随访期间均无桡骨头骺缺血性坏死改变。结论与切开复位克氏针固定术比较,闭合复位弹性髓内钉固定术治疗O’BrienⅢ型儿童桡骨颈骨折具有微创、手术操作简便、固定牢固、允许术后早期活动、并发症少等优点,是一种较好的治疗方法。     

Open reduction via posterior triceps sparing approach in comparison with closed treatment of posteromedial displaced Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures

The results of closed and open reduction via posterior approach with percutaneous pinning of posteromedial displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children were evaluated. Fifty-five consecutive patients with Gartland type III fractures were reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 22 months (12-48 months). The closed reduction group consisted of 32 patients and the open reduction group with the posterior approach using the triceps-sparing method consisted of 23 patients. Both groups were stabilized with cross Kirschner wire fixation and followed the same protocol. In comparison with closed reduction, despite the fact that better bone alignment was obtained with open reduction, longer union time (7 vs. 5.8 weeks), significantly reduced range of motion of the elbow (12.3 degrees vs. 3.8 degrees), poorer functional outcomes and bad cosmetics because of hypertrophic scar tissue of the skin were found. The patients were analyzed according to their Bauman angle and Flynn criteria: good or excellent functional and cosmetic results were 91% in the closed reduction group but 52% in the open reduction group. On the basis of results of this study, closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of the posteromedial totally displaced fractures are preferable to open reduction with posterior approach.     

Three lateral divergent or parallel pin fixations for the treatment of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of lateral or parallel pin fixation using 3 smooth Kirschner wires (K-wires) or smooth Steinmann pins for the operative management of displaced supracondylar humeral fracture in a consecutive series of children. METHODS: Sixty-one consecutive displaced or angled supracondylar humeral fractures (Gartland type II or III) in children (mean age, 5 years 6 months) treated by 2 orthopaedic surgeons between 2001 and 2004 according to the following protocol: close reduction under general anesthesia with fluoroscopic guidance and only lateral percutaneous pinning using 3 divergent or parallel Kirschner wires or Steinmann pins. Minimum 2 years' follow-up was done in all 61 patients (range, 2.0-3.3 years). Clinical assessment was obtained at final follow-up using Flynn criteria, and radiologic assessment was obtained using the Baumann and lateral humerocapitellar angles of both arms. Statistical analysis was performed by means of the Student t test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The study group consisted of 61 patients, of whom 24 (39%) presented with Gartland type II fractures, and the remaining 37 (61%) presented with a type III fracture. A comparison of perioperative and final radiographs shows no loss of reduction of any fracture. There was also no clinically evident cubitus varus, hyperextension, or loss of motion. Eight patients had preoperative nerve palsy. Five of these nerve injuries resolved immediately after surgery, and the other 3 resolved completely within 12 weeks of surgery. After an average of 28 months postoperation, 56 (91.8%) patients had achieved an excellent clinical result, and 5 (8.2%) achieved a good result. There were no iatrogenic nerve palsies, and no patient required additional surgery. One patient had a minor pin-track infection. CONCLUSIONS: Our series demonstrates that only 3 lateral divergent or parallel pin fixations are effective and safe for avoiding iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury and are appropriate treatment options for displaced or angled supracondylar humeral fractures in children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level III.     

Metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction fracture of distal humerus in children

Six metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction fractures of distal humerus and 182 supracondylar fractures of humerus treated in our institute over a period of 5 years were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical data regarding child's age, neurovascular status, mechanism of injury, mode of treatment, and ultimate clinical outcome were collected for both these fractures and a comparison was made. Oblique (n=2), comminuted (n=3), and transverse types (n=1) of fracture patterns were identified at distal humeral metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction. The oblique and comminuted fractures were managed by closed reduction and plaster of Paris cast, whereas the only transverse fracture was treated by closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation. In contrast, 125 patients of supracondylar fractures were treated by closed reduction and plaster of Paris cast and the remaining 57 fractures needed Kirschner wire fixation after closed reduction. Assessment by Flynn criteria after 1 year after of injury revealed better functional outcome in metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction fractures. Although transverse fractures are unstable and may require surgical fixation; oblique and comminuted fractures at the metaphyseo-diaphyseal junction of distal humerus can be managed conservatively.     

A retrospective analysis of loss of reduction in operated supracondylar humerus fractures

Background:

Loss of reduction following closed or open reduction of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children varies widely and is considered dependent on stability of the fracture pattern, Gartland type, number and configuration of pins for fixation, technical errors, adequacy of initial reduction, and timing of the surgery. This study was aimed to evaluate the factors responsible for failure of reduction in operated pediatric supracondylar fracture humerus.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively assessed loss of reduction by evaluating changes in Baumann''s angle, change in lateral rotation percentage, and anterior humeral line in 77 consecutive children who were treated with multiple Kirschner wire fixation and were available for followup. The intraoperative radiographs were compared with those taken immediately after surgery and 3 weeks postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed by STATA 10.

Results:

Reduction was lost in 18.2% of the patients. Technical errors were significantly higher in those who lost reduction (P = 0.001; Odds Ratio: 57.63). Lateral pins had a significantly higher risk of losing reduction than cross pins (P = 0.029; Odds Ratio: 7.73). Other factors including stability of fracture configuration were not significantly different in the two groups.

Conclusions:

The stability of fracture fixation in supracondylar fractures in children is dependent on a technically good pinning. Cross pinning provides a more stable fixation than lateral entry pins. Fracture pattern and accuracy of reduction were not important factors in determining the stability of fixation.     

闭合复位克氏针内固定治疗GartlandⅢ型儿童肱骨髁上骨折

目的探讨闭合复位内外侧3针交叉固定治疗GartlandⅢ型儿童肱骨髁上骨折的疗效。方法对195例GartlandⅢ型儿童肱骨髁上骨折患者行闭合复位后,C臂机监视下先在肱骨髁外侧用2枚克氏针平行或交叉固定,再伸直肘关节到50°,保护尺神经下用1枚克氏针在内侧交叉固定,术后长臂石膏托固定于肘关节伸直70°制动3周。结果 195例均获随访,时间5~35个月。出现医源性尺神经损伤2例,肘内翻畸形需截骨矫形1例,肘部前侧局限性骨化4例。按Flynn标准评定疗效:优180例,良8例,一般6例,差1例,优良率为96.4%。结论闭合复位内外侧3针交叉固定治疗GartlandⅢ型儿童肱骨髁上骨折可有效减少医源性尺神经损伤,降低肘内翻畸形发生率,疗效满意。     

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.