Surgical Treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures of femur through posterior approach in children

Abstract

Objective To investigate effective treatment of displaced supracondylar femoral fractures in children.Methods Sixteen children with displaced supracondylar femoral fractures were treated in our department between 2004.6 to 2012.2 by open reduction and percutaneous pinning through posterior approach.Pins were removed 4-6 weeks after operation and full range of movement was regained within 3 months.Results All patients achieved anatomic reduction and 14 patients were followed up for 6-36 months (average 22 months).The healing time of fracture was 4-5 weeks (average 4.6 weeks) and the knee function was recovered 3 months after operation.No patient had a valgus deformity of more than 5 degrees.No neurovascular injury and knee infection were encountered.Compared to the contralateral limb,eight patients had a 1.0-2.0 cm limb length inequality half a year after operation,however,none had a limb length inequality more than 1cm 1.5 years after operation (n =9).Conclusions Open reduction through posterior approach is one of the best treatments for displaced supracondylar femoral fractures in children. Key words: fameral fracture; children; fracture fixation