The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 70, Issue 5 641-650, Copyright © 1988 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Management of displaced extension-type supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children
AM Pirone, HK Graham and JI Krajbich
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The cases of 230 patients who had a displaced extension-type supracondylar
fracture of the humerus were reviewed retrospectively. The results of
treatment by four different methods were assessed clinically and compared.
The mean length of follow-up was 4.6 years (range, one to nine years). The
highest percentages of excellent results were achieved by percutaneous
Kirschner-wire fixation (78 per cent), skeletal traction (67 per cent), and
open reduction with internal fixation (67 per cent). Closed reduction and
application of a cast was associated with a significantly lower percentage
of early and late complications, including Volkmann ischemic contracture
and cubitus varus. It is recommended that treatment with a cast be reserved
for undisplaced fractures only. Percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation is
advocated as the method of choice for the majority of displaced fractures.
CiteULike 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us 
Technorati What's this?
