CLOSE REDUCTION AND PER CUTANEOUS PINNING OF SUPRACONDYLAR FRACTURES OF HUMERUS IN CHILDREN

Supracondylar Fractures of Humerus

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess outcome and complications associated with closed reduction and internal fixation of supracondylar fractures type III of humerus in children.
Study Design: Quasi – experimental.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Orthopedics, Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi and Railway General Hospital (RGH), Rawalpindi, from June 2011 to August 2012.
Material and Method: The study group included 16 boys and 8 girls aged 4-12 years with supracondyle Type III fractures of humerus, having no neurovascular injury and no appreciable edema. Relevant history and clinical details were taken. All those cases having any neurovascular injury or moderate to severe edema at elbow and presenting late more than two weeks were excluded. These cases were treated with closed reduction and internal fixation. Follow up was done for 6 months to assess the level of cosmetic and function according to the system described by Flynn’s et al as excellent, good, fair and poor.
Results: Study was completed on 24 patients (16 males and 8 females). All fractures were united in acceptable alignment. At final assessment there were 16 excellent, 5 good, 3 fair. No one was poor. The fair clinical outcome was higher in children above 10 years of age.
Conclusion: Closed reduction and internal fixation with cast stabilization can provide precise and good fracture reduction, maintains stabilization for fracture healing, results in good cosmetic outcome, cost effective and facilitates easy removal of implants after treatment.