Appropriate Use Criteria for Treatment of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures With Vascular Injury: Do Our Hospital Practice Patterns Agree With Current Recommendations?

Conclusions: Supracondylar fractures are the most common injury to the elbow seen in children and are variable in presentation and management. The pink, pulseless fracture continues to be a major topic for research and discussion due to the morbidity if not treated “appropriately.” The AUC were created to help guide practitioners when strong evidence is lacking. In this study at a single, pediatric hospital, there was variation and disagreement with “appropriateness” of treatments that were performed but this discrepancy did not result in any poor outcomes. Although the AUC do offer valuable guidance, our findings highlight a need for continued research in this area to help validate the AUC and help strengthen the recommendations moving forward. Level of Evidence: Level III—retrospective.
Source: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Trauma Upper Extremity Source Type: research