Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Older Children: Success of Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning

Background: The incidence of supracondylar humerus (SCH) fracture declines and fracture types change as children grow. Optimal treatment method is unclear in older children. The aim of the study was to determine if fracture type and configuration of distal humerus fractures changes as patients approach skeletal maturity, and to assess the success of closed reduction and percutaneous pin (CRPP) in extra-articular SCH fractures in this transitional age group. Methods: Inclusion criteria for this retrospective review were (1) distal humerus fractures with extension types 2 and 3, flexion type, T-type; (2) surgically managed, and (3) modified Sauvegrain score ≥1. Reviewed parameters included fracture type and configuration, grade of skeletal maturity, fixation technique, and loss of reduction. Primary analysis was to determine the distribution of fracture type and configuration with age or grade of skeletal maturity. Secondary analysis was used to determine the factors affecting treatment success of CRPP in extra-articular fractures. Results: A total of 142 patients were included (58 males and 84 females). Fracture types revealed significant changes with increased age (P=0.031) and skeletal maturity grade (P
Source: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Trauma Source Type: research