Surgical treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. Analysis of fifty-two cases followed for five to fifteen years.

Abstract

Long-term review of fifty-two displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children treated by open reduction and crossed Kirschner-wire fixation demonstrated functional results similar to those obtained by closed methods, but fewer and milder cases of cubitus varus deformity (only 25 per cent of patients). The deformity appeared to result from faulty reduction with medial angulation of the distal fragment. Surgical treatment of these fractures may offer, as its principal advantages: reduced hospitalization time, fewer sequelae, more stable fixation, and slightly better anatomical results. No infections or other specific complications (such as myositis ossificans or Volkmann's contracture) were encountered.