The utility of radiographs prior to pin removal after operative treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in children

Purpose

To determine the safety, utility, and efficacy of pin removal prior to radiographs during the postoperative care of surgically treated displaced pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.

Methods

Retrospective review of 532 children with supracondylar humerus fractures treated with closed reduction and pinning from 2007 to 2012. Group 1: children who had their splint/cast removed and radiographs prior to pin removal. Group 2: children with radiographs taken after removal. Data recorded and analyzed included: demographic and radiographic data at the time of surgery and at final follow-up, including the number of radiographs taken prior to pin removal and if pins were ever retained after radiographs were performed on the date of intended removal.

Results

There was no difference between the groups’ demographics. The number of postoperative radiographs taken prior to pin removal ranged from zero to two. No statistically significant change in Baumann’s (p = 0.79) or lateral humeral capitellar angles (p = 0.19) was noted between the groups. No children in group 1 (0/438) had their pins retained after radiographs were taken on the date of intended removal.

Conclusion

Obtaining postoperative radiographs prior to pin removal, although commonplace, is not necessary. If fracture stability is noted intraoperatively, and there is an uneventful postoperative course, it is safe and effective to discontinue immobilization and remove pins prior to X-ray. This is safely done without change in alignment or clinical sequelae. Doing so can aid in clinic flow, may decrease child anxiety, and limit multiple cast room visits.

Level of evidence

Level III therapeutic study.     

Displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children: open reduction vs. closed reduction and pinning

Introduction In the literature the best results for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures have been achieved by closed reduction and wire fixation. However, in these reports the patient group of open reduction and pinning contained the patients who had had previous ineffective closed reduction trials. This retrospective study compared open and closed reduction with pinning, in which the first group of patients was all consecutively treated with open reduction.Materials and methods The study included 99 children with displaced extension-type supracondylar fractures of humerus who had complete follow-up. Open reduction patients had not had a previous attempted closed reduction. Open reduction and pinning were performed through a posteromedial incision in the first 44 patients and closed reduction and pinning in the subsequent 55 patients. Mean duration surgery was 15 h with open reduction and 17 h with closed reduction. Mean follow up was 35 months with the open reduction and 21 months with closed reduction. Humeral-ulnar angle was compared to the contralateral elbow, clinical flexion deficiency and extension lag, and complications were evaluated.Results At the latest follow-up the open group had an average of 5.1° valgus change and the closed group 3.6° valgus change in humeral-ulnar angle compared to their uninvolved elbow. Average flexion deficiency was 8.61° in the open and 5.25° in the closed group. Average extension lag was 6.23° in the open and 0.6° in the closed group. Functional results were satisfactory in 71% of patients in the open and 93% of those in the closed reduction group. Cosmetic results were satisfactory in 95% of both groups.Conclusions Closed reduction and pinning is superior to open reduction and pinning for the treatment of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. In the case of technical insufficiencies open reduction and pinning through a posteromedial incision is an alternative treatment for decreasing the surgical time and complications. Complications was not caused in either group by the delayed surgical timing compared to reports in the literature.     

Early results of displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus in children treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning

Background:

Displaced supracondylar fractures are notorious for difficulty in reduction, maintenance of reduction and frequent involvement of neurovascular structures. No general agreement on the treatment is evident with controversy prevailing regarding the ideal timing of surgery, method of maintenance of reduction and configuration of the pin fixation. A crossed pin configuration, though believed by some to be mechanically more stable than the lateral pins alone, has the risk of ulnar nerve injury due to the medial pin. Lateral pins alone impart less rotational stability to the fracture although it has been attributed mainly to technical errors of pin placement. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of treatment of this fracture using one lateral and one trans-olecranon K-wires or lateral entry K-wires alone.

Materials and Methods:

Ninety cases of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 6.7 years (range 3–12 years). The male/female ratio was 5:1 and left side was involved in 70% whereas 30% had right sided injuries. The most common mode of trauma was fall from height with elbow in extension. All the 90 consecutively admitted patients had extension type injury with 73.3% fractures being Gartland type III and 26.7% were type II. Posteromedial displacement was noted in 70% whereas 30% fractures were posterolaterally displaced. In 60 cases, lateral entry wires alone were used whereas, in 30 cases, one lateral and another transolecranon transarticular K-wire was used. K-wires were removed at 3 weeks postoperatively and followup was done at 6 weeks and 12 weeks when they were evaluated according to the criteria described by Flynn. Chi-square test was used as a statistical test of significance to compare results among different variables.

Results:

Results were graded according to Flynn''s criteria. Excellent results were achieved in 12 (13.3%), good in 54 (60%), fair in 15 (16.7%) while in nine patients (10%) poor results were obtained.

Conclusions:

Both lateral entry K-wires and lateral-trans-olecranon wire techniques provide stable fixation when observing the guidelines for wire placement and consistently satisfactory results can be obtained, both cosmetically and functionally with both the techniques.     

Pin tract infection with external fixation of pediatric fractures

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and severity of pin tract infections in a series of pediatric trauma patients.

Methods

All pediatric trauma patients with external fixation who were treated at our institution between 1998 and 2003 were included. The charts of 30 children (20 males; 10 females; mean age, 13.2 years; range, 7-19 years) with 37 episodes of external fixation were reviewed. The average duration of external fixation was 17.5 weeks (range, 1-94 weeks). Pin tract infections were graded using the Dahl classification. Bacterial cultures were obtained in case of drainage from the pin site.

Results

In 18 (48%) of 37 external fixations, no signs of infection occurred during the treatment period. In the remaining 19 (52%) external fixations, 35 episodes of infection were documented. Most infections were mild or moderate, whereas only 3 (9%) severe deep infections were noted (grade 5). Six (17%) infections healed with local application of rifamycin, whereas 27 (77%) of 35 infections were successfully treated with systemic antibiotics (cefuroxime, clindamycin). The remaining 2 infections (6%) required removal of a pin.

Conclusions

Pin tract infection occurred in half of the patients who were treated with external fixations. Most of the pin site infections in the present series were mild and could be managed by local or systemic application of antibiotics. The occurrence of pin tract infections did not require a change of the method of stabilization.     

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of supracondylar humerus fractures treated surgically by pediatric and non-pediatric orthopedic surgeons

Purpose

This study compares clinical and radiographic outcomes of operatively managed pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures between patients treated by pediatric orthopedists (POs) and patients treated by non-pediatric orthopedists (NPOs).

Patients and methods

A retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with surgically managed supracondylar humerus fractures was conducted. For clinical outcomes analyses, 3 months of clinical follow-up were required, resulting in a sample size of 90 patients (33 treated by NPOs, 57 by POs). For radiographic outcomes analyses, 3 months of both clinical and radiographic follow-up were required, resulting in a sample size of 57 patients (23 treated by NPOs, 34 by POs).

Results

The rate of inadequate fracture fixation was higher for patients treated by NPOs (43.5 %) than for patients treated by POs (14.7 %; p = 0.030), but rates of clinical complications, malreduction, and postoperative loss of reduction did not differ. Treatment with open reduction was more common for patients treated by NPOs (33.3 %) than for patients treated by POs (3.5 %; p < 0.001). Total operating room time was longer for patients treated by NPOs (110.9 min) than for patients treated by POs (82.9 min; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

While patients treated by POs differed from patients treated by NPOs with respect to several intermediate outcomes, including having a lower rate of open reduction and a lower rate of inadequate fracture fixation, there were no differences between POs and NPOs in the rates of the more meaningful and definitive outcomes, including clinical complications, malreduction, and postoperative loss of reduction.     

Controversial topics in the management of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children

The aim of our study was to review the literature looking for the up to date information regarding these controversial topics. An electronic literature search was performed using the Medline/PubMed database. A closed reduction attempt should always be done first. It is more important to engage both columns as well as divergence of the pins no matter whatever configuration is applied. Time to surgery seems to be not an important factor to increase the risk of complications as well as open reduction rate. Usually neurological injuries present a spontaneous recovery. If there is absent pulse, we should follow the algorithm associated with the perfusion of the hand.     

Results of treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children by percutaneous lateral cross-wiring technique

Seventy children with displaced type II and III supracondylar fractures of the humerus were managed with percutaneous lateral cross-wiring technique from January 2006 to January 2007. There were 54 boys and 16 girls with a mean age of 6.1 ± 3.07 years. All patients were operated within 24 h after trauma using the Dorgans percutaneous lateral cross-wiring technique. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 6.1 ± 2.6 months and assessed both radiologically for union; and functionally and cosmetically according to Flynn’s criteria. All patients achieved solid union. Functionally, all patients achieved satisfactory results, while cosmetically, 91.4% of patients had satisfactory results and 8.6% had unsatisfactory results. The most frequently occurring complications were minor pin tract infection in six patients, deep infection in two patients, and 32 patients suffered excessive granulation tissue formation mostly around the proximal pin. There was no iatrogenic neurological injury either for the ulnar or for the radial nerves. The obtained results and minor complications reported signify this technique as a viable treatment method for displaced type II and III supracondylar fractures in children.     

Surgical approaches for open reduction and pinning in severely displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children: a systematic review

Purpose  

There is no clear evidence in the actual literature regarding which of the surgical approaches could bring about the best functional, cosmetic, and radiological outcomes, as well as fewer complications, when an open reduction and pinning of a severely displaced supracondylar humerus fracture is performed. We, therefore, performed a systematic review of the English literature to investigate the existing evidence regarding this issue.     

内外侧穿针治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折

目的:探讨内外侧穿针治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折治疗效果。方法:回顾性分析应用克氏针内固定治疗肱骨髁上骨折83例,其中GartlandⅡ型48例,GartlandⅢ型35例;单纯桡侧穿针46例,交叉穿针37例。结果:本组随访时间6~36个月,平均14个月。根据陈公林等肘关节功能评定标准,桡侧穿针组优38例,良7例,差1例,优良率为97·8%,无尺神经损伤病例,1例患者残余有肘内翻畸形;交叉穿针组优28例,良8例,差1例,优良率97·3%,1例患者尺神经损伤。结论:单纯桡侧穿针治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折简单有效,同时避免了医源性尺神经损伤的危险。应用内侧穿针时,必须触及内上髁并将肘关节维持在半屈曲位,必要时要局部切开显露内上髁,以减少尺神经损伤的危险性。     

Close reduction and percutaneous pinning in displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children

BackgroundDisplaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children are common pediatric injuries treated by orthopedic surgeons. They also have a high rate of complications if not reduced and stabilized in optimal position which may lead to serious neurovascular injuries and residual deformity. Amongst the various methods used for treating these fractures, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning has shown improved results.MethodBetween March 2005 and April 2010, 277 cases of supracondylar humeral fractures (Gartland grade II and III) with less then 1 week old were included in this study. They were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning with crossed Kirschner wires under image intensifier control. Clinical outcome were assessed according to Flynn's criteria.ResultsThe mean age at the time of operation was 6 years (range 2–10 years) and the average duration of follow-up was 4.6 years (range 2.1–7.2 years). The Flynn's criteria were excellent in 202, good in 68, fair in 5 and only 2 with poor results.ConclusionClosed reduction and percutaneous pinning is a sound and effective treatment for displaced supracondylar fractures.     

Deformity and functional outcome after treatment for supracondylar humerus fractures in children: a 5- to 10-year follow-up of 139 supracondylar humerus fractures treated by plaster cast,skeletal traction or crossed wire fixation

Purpose  

At Haukeland University Hospital (HUH), we used overhead skeletal traction for displaced supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHF) in children until closed reduction and crossed wire fixation was introduced in the early 1990s. Though there are obvious and well-documented benefits of wire fixation, the aim of this study was to document and compare the results and complication rates for both methods.     

Routine radiographs at time of pin removal after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for type 2 supracondylar humerus fractures do not change management: a retrospective cohort study

Purpose

Radiographs are usually taken on day of pin removal for children treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) of type 2 supracondylar humerus fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine whether radiographs taken at time of pin removal for patients recovering uneventfully alter management.

Methods

After IRB approval, billing records identified 1213 patients aged 1–10 years who underwent elbow surgery between 2007 and 2013 at our institution for a supracondylar humerus fracture. Of these patients, 389 met inclusion criteria. Clinical charts were reviewed for demographics, operative details, and clinical follow-up, focusing on clinical symptoms present at pin removal. Radiographs taken at time of pin removal and subsequent visits were assessed for healing and fracture alignment.

Results

In no case was pin removal delayed based on radiographs. One hundred and nineteen (31 %) patients had radiographs taken following pin removal; in no case was loss of reduction found among these patients. No cases of neurologic or vascular injury, re-fracture, or loss of reduction occurred. Infection occurred in 12 patients (3 %). Pins were kept in place for 23.8 ± 4.4 days. Eighty-six patients (22 %) had additional intervention after pin removal (cast application in all cases). Of 389 patients, 75 (19 %) had no documented reason for extended casting, four (1 %) were extended based on physician evaluation of radiographs, and seven (2 %) were extended for other reasons.

Conclusions

Elimination of radiographs at time of pin removal should be considered. If continuing to obtain radiographs at pin removal, we recommend removing pins before taking radiographs to reduce patient fear and anxiety from visualizing percutaneous pins.

     

A study of biplanar crossed pin construct in the management of displaced pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures

Purpose

Study of a biplanar crossed pin construct by two crossed Kirschner wires in the management of displaced extension type supracondylar humeral fractures in children.

Methods

Sixty-four patients with such fractures were included and treated according to the study protocol: after achieving closed reduction under general anesthesia with fluoroscopic control, two crossed Kirschner wires of equal diameter were inserted percutaneously. The first lateral wire tracts from the posterolateral corner of the epicondyle to the anteromedial cortex proximally. Then, the medial wire is inserted from the anteromedial corner of the epicondyle to the posterolateral cortex proximally after crossing the fracture site. Thus, a biplanar crossed pin construct was achieved, as each wire had two separate fixation points and the crossed construct was achieved not only in the coronal plane but also in the sagittal plane. Every effort was made to get this construct right at the very first attempt without repetition.

Results

Two patients were lost to follow-up during the first postoperative year. The mean follow-up for the remaining 62 patients was 14.5 months (range 6–24 months). At the final follow-up, using Flynn’s overall modified classification, the clinical result was considered to be satisfactory in 60 (96.8 %) patients and unsatisfactory with poor result in two (3.2 %) patients. Technical error was thought to be the cause of the poor results. There were no postoperative neural or vascular complications.

Conclusion

A biplanar crossed pin construct achieved by two Kirschner wires crossed in the coronal and sagittal planes is efficient to stabilize a displaced extension type supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children.     

儿童移位性伸直型肱骨髁上骨折治疗方法的选择

肱骨髁上骨折是儿童肘部最常见的骨折.最常用的治疗方法是闭合复位,石膏托外固定,牵引,闭合复位经皮克氏针内固定和切开复位内固定.移位骨折的治疗问题很多,包括神经、血管损伤,获得和维持复位困难,以及肘关节僵硬或肘内翻畸形.本文就1990年1月至1996年9月93例移位性伸直型肱骨髁上骨折不同方法治疗的结果进行报道.     

Completely displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children: results of open reduction versus closed reduction

 This retrospective study was performed to understand the clinical results after closed reduction and open reduction in 35 children (mean age 6.4 years) with completely displaced supracondylar fractures of the distal humerus between 1996 and 2000. Closed reduction (21 cases) was attempted, with open reduction (14 cases) indicated in irreducible cases with or without severe swelling. After an average follow-up of 22 months, according to Flynn's criteria, the results were excellent in 18, good in 12, fair in 2, and poor in 3. The satisfactory results rates were similar for closed and open reduction. The unsatisfactory results were related to the poor initial reduction and redisplacement after operation. The mean Baumann's angle was 8.7° in the closed reduction group and 6.6° in the open reduction group. None of the patients showed restricted elbow motion of more than 10°, even in two cases of hypertrophic scar in the open reduction group. Selective open reduction for displaced supracondylar fractures of the distal humerus produced as good results as closed reduction. Received: January 7, 2002 / Accepted: November 20, 2002 Offprint requests to: C-W. Oh     

Vascular examination predicts functional outcomes in supracondylar humerus fractures: a prospective study

PurposeThis article prospectively examines the functional outcome measures following management of vascular insult secondary to paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHFX) using validated outcome measures.MethodsThe three-year, prospective, IRB-approved study consecutively enrolled operative SCHFX patients. Clinical data included presence and symmetry of the radial pulse in injured and uninjured extremities, Doppler examination of non-palpable (NP) pulses and perfusion status of the hand. Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instruments (PODCI) and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) Measures were used to assess functional outcome at final follow-up. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the presence of a vascular abnormality and functional outcome while controlling for other injury parameters.ResultsA total of 146/752 enrolled patients (mean age 6.8 years; range 2 years to 13 years) completed functional outcome measures at final follow-up. Of these, 20 (14%) patients had abnormal vascular exams at presentation: nine (6%) with palpable asymmetric pulse and 11 (7.5%) with NP pulse. Of those with NP pulses, nine/11 (6%) were Dopplerable and two (1.5%) lacked identifiable Doppler signal. Patients with a symmetric, palpable pulse demonstrated better PODCI pain and comfort scores (95.2 versus 85.2) (p < 0.0001), and QuickDASH scores (10.9 versus 21.6) (p < 0.007) compared to those with any abnormal vascular examination. Patients with palpable pulses, regardless of symmetry, demonstrated significantly higher PODCI pain and comfort scores (94.6 versus 84.7) (p < 0.003) than NP pulses.ConclusionsIn children with operative SCHFX, an abnormal vascular examination at presentation is predictive of poorer outcomes in pain and upper extremity function. A palpable pulse, versus NP, is predictive of better pain and comfort at final follow-up.Level of evidenceII     

Managing supracondylar fractures of the distal humerus in children in a district general hospital

Introduction

Controversy exists regarding the timing of surgery in children with displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus.

Methods

We reviewed retrospectively the postoperative outcomes and complications in these children managed in a district general hospital.

Results

There were 81 children with displaced supracondylar fractures (64 Gartland type III and 17 type IIA). Of these, 46 children were treated within 6 hours of presentation and 35 were treated later. The rate of open reduction was higher in children treated early (23%) than in late cases (11%). There was no significant difference in the postoperative outcomes and complications between the groups.

Conclusions

In children with a supracondylar fracture, the timing of surgical treatment (before or after six hours from presentation to hospital) had no effect on postoperative complications and outcomes.     

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.     

Predictive factors determining outcomes in pulseless limb in paediatric supracondylar fractures of humerus

Introduction

Amongst all the complications associated with paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures, significant vascular injury is reported in only 1% cases, of which, less than 1% develop Volkmann's ischemic contracture. This study evaluates factors, like delay in presentation of the injury, limb perfusion and pulse, in determining functional outcome in a supracondylar humerus fractures with pulseless limb.

Management of completely displaced extention type supracondylar fractures of humerus in children based on a new classification

Background

Paediatric supracondylar fractures are the most common childhood fractures under 8 years of age. Displaced paediatric supracondylar fractures are mostly classified on the basis of fracture geometry and none of the classification systems takes the clinical condition of the limb into consideration.