Satisfactory results likely after surgery for unstable supracondylar humerus fractures in children
By Monica Jaramillo
A minimum 6-week follow-up of pediatric patients surgically treated for unstable supracondylar humerus fractures revealed satisfactory results in 92% of patients with type IV fractures.
“Although these fractures are associated with increased levels of technical difficulty, given the increased need for open reduction, utilization of medial pins, and longer surgical times, adequate reductions and satisfactory mid-tem to long-term outcomes can be achieved,” the authors wrote.
Researchers clinically and radiographically evaluated 130 children with completely displaced supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHF) that were treated during a 6-year period. The study included 12 patients with type IV fractures and 118 patients with type III fractures.
Findings showed 17% of patients with type IV fractures needed open reduction vs. 2% of patients with type III fractures.
