Treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children through an anterior approach is a safe and effective method

• Published in: International orthopaedics 2009-10, Vol.33 (5), p.1371-1375
• Main Authors: Ersan, Onder, Gonen, Emel, Arik, Ahmet, Dasar, Uygar, Ates, Yalim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bone Wires; Child; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Fracture Fixation, Internal - instrumentation; Fracture Fixation, Internal - methods; Fracture Healing; Humans; Humeral Fractures - diagnostic imaging; Humeral Fractures - physiopathology; Humeral Fractures - surgery; Humerus - diagnostic imaging; Humerus - physiopathology; Humerus - surgery; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Paper; Orthopedics; Prospective Studies; Radiography; Range of Motion, Articular; Recovery of Function; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0341-2695; 1432-5195
• DOI: 10.1007/s00264-008-0668-y

In this prospective case series we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of using an anterior approach to paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. We gathered data on 46 children that had a displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus. All the patients had sustained a Gartland type III extension fracture that could not be reduced by closed means. Open reduction through an anterior approach was performed and two Kirschner wires were used to fix the fracture to the medial and lateral sides. Patients were recalled for follow-up and were evaluated using Flynn’s radiological and clinical criteria. Loss of extension and flexion was noted by clinical assessment and carrying angle measured on radiograms. A follow-up examination performed in the 24th postoperative week showed that all fractures had healed; the patients’ outcomes were rated as excellent or good according to Flynn’s criteria. As a result the anterior approach for open reduction of paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures is a safe and reliable method with very good results.