Analysis of radiological alignment and functional outcomes of pediatric patients after surgery with displaced supracondylar humerus fracture: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

IntroductionSupracondylar humerus (SCH) fracture is the most common type of elbow joint fracture (50–70%) in children aged 3–10 years. Treatment of displaced SCH fracture are surgery using Kirschner wire. The outcome of SCH fracture in pediatric population can be assessed clinically and radiologically. MethodsThis study aims to analyze the correlation between radiological alignment and functional outcome in displaced SCH fracture in children under internal fixation. Study design was cross sectional with analytical approach. Medical records of children with displaced SCH fracture from January 2016 to December 2018 were taken for the study. The data included in this study were at six weeks after removal of implant. The parameter of radiological alignment used in this study was Baumann's angle and the functional outcome based on Flynn's criteria. Data were analyzed using the Pearson Correlation test. ResultsOf the thirty samples enrolled in this study, 63.3% were boys. The mean age was 6.4 ± 2.0 years with peak incidence 5–6 years. Left side and non-dominant arm were more commonly injured with percentage of 63.3% and 70%. The mean of Baumann's angle and functional outcome were 73.5 ± 7.18 and 6.44 ± 4.7 degrees, respectively. There was a significant positive Pearson correlation (r = 0.491) between radiological alignment and functional outcome (p value = 0.006). ConclusionRadiological alignment had a significant positive correlation with functional outcome after surgery in displaced SCH patients.