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

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

The equal limbs lateral closing wedge osteotomy for correction of cubitus varus in children

Many methods have been described for correction of cubitus varus; the lateral closing-wedge osteotomy of French is the most popular. Although many authors reported successful correction, some authors since then have been critical of that osteotomy, alluding to problems with a lateral bulge or the scar. The aim of the present study is to evaluate a technique of correction of posttraumatic cubitus varus in children with an equal limbs laterally closing-wedge osteotomy of the distal humerus. From 2003 to 2006, twelve patients underwent supracondylar osteotomies for correction of cubitus varus in the Mansoura University Hospital. The average age was 8.7 years. The average follow-up was 20 months. The average preoperative carrying angle was 25 degrees varus, and this was corrected to an average of 5 degrees valgus. There was no noticeable prominence of the lateral condyle or an unsightly scar. This study shows that the equal limbs laterally closing-wedge osteotomy is simple, safe, and associated with an excellent cosmetic outcome and a low complication rate.     

Supracondylar humeral osteotomy in children with severe posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity

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

Varus deformity in supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children

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

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

尺神经沟置针术式治疗儿童GartlandⅢ型肱骨髁上骨折

背景：交叉克氏针内固定是目前治疗儿童GartlandⅢ型肱骨髁上骨折的首选方法,但仍未从根本上解决并发症发生问题。目的：评价尺神经沟置针术式治疗儿童GartlandⅢ型肱骨髁上骨折的可行性及疗效。 方法：1998年1月到2010年10月采用尺神经沟置针术式治疗儿童GartlandⅢ型肱骨髁上骨折患儿144例,随访时检查环小指运动及感觉情况,测量双上肢长度、肘关节活动度,摄双肘正位片测量Baumann角或提携角。采用HSS肘关节功能评价法评分标准进行肘关节功能评定。 结果：144例患儿,随访14~85个月,平均60个月,根据HSS肘关节功能评定法行功能评价：优140例,良4例,无肘内翻和肘外翻畸形发生,无继发尺神经损伤,肢体无短缩。 结论：尺神经沟置针术式治疗儿童GartlandⅢ型肱骨髁上骨折可获得良好的肘关节功能及外观,预防了肘内翻畸形及继发尺神经损伤,且对骨骺生长发育无明显影响。     

Humeral torsional deformity after supracondylar osteotomy for cubitus varus: its influence on the postosteotomy carrying angle.

Humeral torsion was measured in 23 patients by computed tomography (CT) scan after supracondylar osteotomy for cubitus varus. The opposite unoperated humerus was used as the control. The mean torsion in the unoperated humerus was 70 degrees. Patients who did not have "derotation" of the distal fragment during osteotomy had approximately 30 degrees more internal torsion on the operated side than on the opposite side. The carrying angle after osteotomy was not influenced by lack of correction of torsional deformity in the humerus, and correction of torsion during osteotomy was not essential for correction of the carrying angle.     

Supracondylar extension fracture of the humerus in children. Manipulative reduction, immobilisation and fixation using a U-shaped plaster slab with the elbow in full extension

We present a method of manipulative reduction, immobilisation and fixation using a U-shaped plaster with the elbow in extension for extension-type supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. When the elbow is in full extension, both the extensor and the flexor muscles are neutralised during manipulative reduction and the carrying angle can be easily assessed thus preventing cubitus varus, the most common complication. In order to evaluate the efficiency of this method, we compared the clinical results of the new method with those of conventional treatment. In a group of 95 children who sustained an extension-type supracondylar fracture of the humerus, 49 were treated by the new method and 46 by the conventional method, reduction and immobilisation in a plaster slab with the elbow in flexion. Reduction and immobilisation were easily achieved and reliably maintained by one manipulation for all the children treated by the new method. In 12 children treated by the conventional method, the initial reduction failed and in seven secondary displacement of the distal fragment occurred during the period of immobilisation in plaster. All required a second or third manipulation. Of the 46 children, 28 (60.9%) had developed cubitus varus at a mean follow-up of 4.6 years when treated by the conventional method. None of the children treated by the new method developed cubitus varus. The mean score, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) elbow scoring system, was 91 points using the new method and 78 with the conventional method. The results were statistically significant with regard to the incidence of cubitus varus and the elbow score (p < 0.01) suggesting that the new method is reliable and gives a satisfactory outcome.     

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.     

Residuals of elbow trauma in children

Residuals of trauma involving the distal humerus in children are mostly the result of delayed treatment or incomplete reduction of the fracture fragments. Cubitus varus after supracondylar fractures is primarily a cosmetic problem. Correction of this deformity is possible surgically but requires strict attention to detail because a high incidence of complications are associated with performance of a supracondylar osteotomy. Cubitus valgus, on the other hand, does have some functional problems. Thus, there is more of a functional reason to correct cubitus valgus deformities. The biologic complications of lateral condyle fractures such as lateral spur formation and the mild cubitus varus that occurs usually do not require surgical intervention. Those problems associated with techniques of treatment, such as a delayed open reduction, non-union, and angulation, again can be remedied surgically. Specific basic principles, as outlined in this article, however, must be followed to achieve success.     

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

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

儿童移位肱骨髁上骨折的三级筛选式治疗

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

儿童严重不稳定型肱骨髁上骨折的治疗体会:附Gartland Ⅳ型8例报道

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

Baumann角的放射学测量及其临床意义

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

应用骨片钉治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折(附36例报告)

目的 总结应用骨片钉内固定治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折的临床经验和疗效。方法 2001年3月～2003年10月，应用骨片钉治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折36例。结果 30例术后获3个月～2年随访。所有骨折均已骨性愈合，仅1例出现肘内翻畸形。结论 应用骨片钉治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折，固定效果确实。     

Corrective French's osteotomy in treatment of cubitus varus]

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

肘部肌力平衡方法治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折

目的:通过肘伸直前臂旋后位固定方法以保持肘部肌力平衡,并探讨肘部肌力平衡在治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折及防止肘内翻形成中的作用。方法:难复性儿童肱骨髁上骨折96例,男53例,女43例;年龄最大10岁,最小1岁,平均5.6岁。受伤至就诊时间1h~10d。左侧46例,右侧50例。伸直型71例,屈曲型25例。采用手法力线复位,恢复与健侧相等的携带角,平衡肘部肌力,使肘部内外侧韧带的张力相等,采用肘伸直前臂旋后位固定方法治疗。结果:96例均获随访,随访时间3个月,肘关节功能均恢复,携带角与健侧相同者89例,携带角小于健侧1°~3°者7例。依据中医骨伤科病症诊断疗效标准,96例均达到治愈,无肘内翻发生。结论:儿童肱骨髁上骨折,不强求良好的对位,应该强调力线复位、肌力平衡,采用肘伸直前臂旋后位固定方法治疗,能有效防止肘内翻畸形的发生。     

Posttraumatic progressive cubitus varus deformity managed by lateral column shortening: A novel surgical technique

The outward angulation of elbow with supinated forearm is cubitus varus deformity. This deformity is often seen as sequelae of malunited supracondylar fracture of humerus in paediatric age group of 5e8 years. The deformity is usually non-progressive, but in cases of physeal injury or congenital bony bar formation in the medial condyle of humerus, the deformity is progressive and can be grotesque in appearance. Various types of osteotomies are defined for standard non-progressive cubitus varus deformity, while multiple surgeries are required for progressive deformity until skeletal maturity. In this study we described a novel surgical approach and osteotomy of distal humerus in a 5 years old boy having grotesque progressive cubitus varus deformity, achieving good surgical outcome.     

肱骨髁上骨折并发症98例临床分析

目的：探讨肱骨髁上骨折并发症发生率,发生原因及防治对策。方法：对302例肱骨髁上折伴合并症的98例进行临床分析,结果：血管损伤54例（55．1％）,神经损伤23例（23．4％）,感染4例（4．1％）,肘内翻14例（14．3％）,肘外翻3例（3．1％）,结论：血管损伤多为骨折断刺激和压迫肱动脉,神经损伤由于神经挫伤,牵拉和压迫引起,感染系清创不彻底,肘内翻大部分系尺偏型骨折,肘外翻由于骨折矫正不当所致。合理的复位,良好的固定及正确的X线评价是防治并发症的重要的措施。     

Remodeling after lateral closing-wedge osteotomy in children with cubitus varus

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of supracondylar lateral closing-wedge osteotomy of the humerus in children and the postoperative remodeling of the lateral condylar prominence. Lateral closing-wedge osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity was performed in 52 children. In all cases, medial translation for decreasing lateral condylar prominence or transposition of the ulnar nerve was not performed. Mean patient age was 8.8 years. Mean follow-up was 42 months. Clinical and radiological results were analyzed at last follow-up. Mean range of motion of the elbow in flexion and extension improved significantly (P<.05). Mean humeroulnar angle and mean shaft-condylar angle were significantly corrected (P<.05), and the angles between the affected and contralateral sides were not significantly different at last follow-up. Mean lateral condylar prominence index significantly decreased from 38.8% to 3.4%, and mean lateral condylar prominence amount decreased from -31.6% to -65.0% (P<.05 and P<.05, respectively). The amount of lateral condylar prominence remodeling was statistically correlated with the severity of preoperative cubitus varus, length of follow-up, and age at operation (P<.05 for all). The mean change in lateral condylar prominence amount in patients younger than 11 years (36.6%) was significantly greater than the mean change in lateral condylar prominence amount in patients aged 12 years or older (20.4%) (P=.001). Supracondylar lateral closing wedge osteotomy of the humerus is a simple and effective operation for correction of cubitus varus in children younger than 11 years with a considerable amount of lateral condylar prominence remodeling.     

肘部肌力平衡方法治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折

目的:通过肘伸直前臂旋后位固定方法以保持肘部肌力平衡,并探讨肘部肌力平衡在治疗儿童肱骨髁上骨折及防止肘内翻形成中的作用。方法:难复性儿童肱骨髁上骨折96例,男53例,女43例;年龄最大10岁,最小1岁,平均5.6岁。受伤至就诊时间1h¹0d。左侧46例,右侧50例。伸直型71例,屈曲型25例。采用手法力线复位,恢复与健侧相等的携带角,平衡肘部肌力,使肘部内外侧韧带的张力相等,采用肘伸直前臂旋后位固定方法治疗。结果:96例均获随访,随访时间3个月,肘关节功能均恢复,携带角与健侧相同者89例,携带角小于健侧1°³°者7例。依据中医骨伤科病症诊断疗效标准,96例均达到治愈,无肘内翻发生。结论:儿童肱骨髁上骨折,不强求良好的对位,应该强调力线复位、肌力平衡,采用肘伸直前臂旋后位固定方法治疗,能有效防止肘内翻畸形的发生。