Open anatomical reduction by anterior transverse mini approach for the treatment of distal humeral epiphyseal separation in young children

In this study, we aimed to introduce and evaluate open reduction using an anterior transverse mini approach in the treatment of DHES in young children. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients diagnosed with DHES at our hospital between January 2015 and December 2019. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 70 patients were included in this study. The fracture type was classified using DeLee’s classification. The conservative group (14 patients; group A) underwent closed reduction and cast immobilization. Open surgery was performed using an anterior mini-transverse approach, and K-wires were used for fixation in group B (56 patients). After 3–5 weeks, the K-wires were removed following radiographic confirmation of callus formation. All elbow functions were evaluated using Flynn’s criteria. Complications such as cubitus varus, nerve palsies, incision infection, and K-wire skin irritation were analyzed. According to DeLee’s classification, in group A, five, four, and five patients were of types A, B, and C, respectively. In group B, 11, 10, and 35 patients were of types A, B, and C, respectively. There was a significant difference in Flynn’s criteria (P = 0.0007). In groups A and B, five and four patients developed cubitus varus, respectively, with a significant difference observed in the complication rate (P = 0.0127). Five patients developed K-wire skin irritation. Nerve injury was not observed in either group. One patient in group B ha...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Upper Limb Trauma Source Type: research