Neurological Complications Resulting from Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus in Children

Abstract

One hundred thirty-eight children with supracondylar fractures of the humerus were reviewed. Seventeen (12%) exhibited neurological deficits. Nine median, four ulnar, and four radial neuropathies were encountered. The neurological deficit was treated expectantly. The osseous injury was treated by a variety of methods. All patients except two recovered spontaneously in an average of 9 weeks. One patient was still improving at 9 months' follow-up. Another patient with radial neuropathy underwent exploration 6 months after injury and was found to have a transected radial nerve. This study demonstrates that neurological deficits from supracondylar humeral fractures remain common, involve all three major nerves of forearm, and, with rare exception, recover with conservative therapy.