Flexion-type Supracondylar Fractures Research Articles

Minimally invasive techniques utilizing the “Joy Stick” method for managing irreducible flexion-type supracondylar fractures of the humerus in older children

ObjectiveIn this study, we investigated the efficacy of percutaneous poking reduction and Kirschner wire fixation in older children with irreducible supracondylar flexion-type fractures of the humerus.MethodsThis retrospective investigation included 27 children, comprising 15 males and 12 females, aged between 10 years and 3 months to 14 years and 11 months, all diagnosed with a flexion-type supracondylar fracture of the humerus within one week of trauma. All patients underwent surgery under general anesthesia. Following unsuccessful manual reduction, percutaneous poking reduction with Kirschner wires was performed under C-arm fluoroscopy to achieve fracture reduction. Following successful reduction, three 2.0 mm Kirschner wires were inserted in a cross pattern to secure the fracture ends. Postoperatively, the elbow joint was immobilized in a functional position with a plaster cast for four weeks.ResultsFollow-up in the outpatient department ranged from 9 to 36 months. Clinical functional assessment using Flynn’s criteria rated 24 cases as excellent, 2 as good, and 1 as fair, yielding an overall efficacy of 96.3%. No cases of fracture re-displacement, fracture fragment necrosis, or other complications such as nonunion, iatrogenic nerve injury, myositis ossificans, or long-term elbow joint dysfunction were observed during the postoperative follow-up.ConclusionThe percutaneous poking reduction and Kirschner wire fixation technique is a simple and reliable procedure for treating irreducible flexion-type supracondylar fractures of the humerus in older children, with minimal trauma. This technique offers substantial stability for the fracture and results in excellent long-term recovery of joint function.

Bilateral Flexion-Type Supracondylar Humerus Fracture.

Supracondylar humerus fractures are common in the pediatric population, but flexion fractures are very rare in this population. The need for open reduction in these fractures is high and can be challenging for orthopaedic surgeons. In this article, we report a 9-year-old patient with bilateral flexion-type humeral fracture treated with closed reduction, which, to our knowledge, is the first report in the literature. We concluded that the first step in the treatment of flexion-type supracondylar fractures should be closed reduction with the help of an experienced assistant surgeon and that successful results can be obtained even in bilateral flexion-type fractures with appropriate treatment and follow-up.

Predictive factors for open reduction of flexion-type supracondylar fracture of humerus in children

ObjectiveThe incidence of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in flexion-type supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHF) in children is significantly higher than that of extension-type fractures. This study aimed to identify risk factors for ORIF in flexion-type SCHF.MethodsOne hundred seventy-one patients with Wilkins type III flexion-type SCHF from January 2012 to December 2021 were retrospectively enrolled in a tertiary paediatric hospital. Patients were divided into ORIF group versus closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) group. Then, patients data of age, sex, injury side, obesity, deviation of displacement, fracture level, rotation, nerve injury, and delay from injury to surgery were reviewed. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify independent risk factors and odds ratios (OR) of ORIF.ResultsOverall, 171 children with type III flexion-type SCHF were analyzed (average aged 7.9 ± 2.8 years). Displacement was lateral in 151 cases, medial in 20. 20 cases had combined ulnar nerve injury. The failed closed reduction rate was 20%. Univariate analysis indicated age, distal fracture fragment rotation, and ulnar nerve injury were significantly associated with ORIF. (P = 0.047, P = 0.009, and P = 0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that distal fracture fragment rotation (OR, 3.3; 95%CI:1.1–9.5; P = 0.028) and ulnar nerve injury (OR, 6.4; 95%CI:2.3–18.3; P = 0.001) were independent risk factors; however, the age was not an independent one (OR, 1.5; 95%CI:0.6–3.5; P = 0.397) for ORIF in the Wilkins type III flexion-type SCHF.ConclusionDistal fracture fragment malrotation on initial x-rays and ulnar nerve injury were significant risk factors for ORIF in Wilkins type III flexion-type SCHF. Surgeons should prepare tourniquets or other open reduction instruments when treating these types of fractures.Level of evidenceLevel IV

Prevalence of ulnar nerve palsy with flexion-type supracondylar fractures of the humerus.

The aim of this study is to report the rate and type of neurologic injury associated with flexion supracondylar fractures at a tertiary, university institution treated over a 10-year period. All supracondylar humerus fracture cases treated at our institution between January 2004 and January 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-three flexion-type fractures were identified. Patient demographics as well as fracture classification, treatment modalities, and pre-and post-treatment neurologic status were analyzed. Twenty-three flexion-type supracondylar humerus fractures were identified and reviewed out of a total of 1000 supracondylar humerus fractures (2.3%). Details of the patients' neurologic status upon presentation demonstrated that 17 (74%) patients were intact and six (26%) patients presented with an ulnar neuropraxia. Zero type I fractures, one type II fractures (14.3%), and five type III fractures (33.3%) demonstrated an ulnar nerve palsy. Of these, all six nerve deficits resolved following treatment. One additional patient was identified with median nerve neuropraxia following treatment with closed reduction casting, which resolved following observation. A total of 4 (17.4%) patients were treated with closed reduction casting, 15 (65.2%) with closed reduction percutaneous pinning, and four (17.4%) with open reduction internal fixation. Flexion-type supracondylar fractures of the humerus are rare yet significant injuries. The 26% of patients who developed an ulnar neuropraxia following a displaced flexion supracondylar fracture were higher than previous studies reported in the literature. This increased prevalence may be due to the high rates of type III fractures reported in the current study. Level of evidence: III, Retrospective comparative cohort analysis.

Surgeon factor in pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures

The surgeon and the surgical approach of the clinic where the surgeon was trained may have an impact on perioperative outcomes. In this study, among the surgeons with similar surgical experiences, we aimed to investigate the association of open-closed reduction rates, postoperative sagittal, coronal and axial plan deformities, and preference of open surgical approaches to surgeons and the clinics they were trained. We evaluated 90 cases retrospectively who underwent surgery upon diagnosis of Gartland type 3 pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures associated with extension deformity. Those whose surgery was performed after 24 hours, or patients with open fractures, flexion type supracondylar fractures, non-Gartland type 3 supracondylar fractures, fractures with neurovascular deficits, multiple comminuted fractures, pathologic fractures, or additional injury and fractures were not included to the study. All the surgeons who had >5 years of surgical experience as a specialist and >15 of pediatric elbow fracture surgery as an operator (n=12) were numbered between 1 and 12. The clinics of these surgeons were classified from A to F (n=6). Data on patients’ age, gender, duration of surgery, follow-up time, postoperative sagittal, coronal angulation, postoperative rotational deformity, operation time, rates of open-closed surgery, the surgical approach in those open surgery was performed, the number and characteristics of the pins used were collected to analyze in relation with their assigned surgeons and the clinics they were trained. Among the 90 cases, 54 (59.3%) were male patients. The mean age was 6.21 ± 3.03 years. There was no significant difference between the clinics in terms of sagittal and rotational deformities and open reduction rates (p>0.05). The clinics significantly differed in preference of the side of incisions (medial, lateral, posterior), (p

Closed reduction and Kirschner wire cross fixation for children with flexion-type supracondylar humeral fracture

Objective To report the efficacy of closed pry reduction and cross Kirschner wiring in the treatment of refractory flexion-type fracture of supracondylar humerus in children. Methods A retrospective analysis was done of 19 children who had been treated for refractory flexion-type fracture of supracondylar humerus by closed pry reduction and cross Kirschner wiring at Department of Orthopaedics, Shaoyang Or-thopaedic Hospital from March 2015 to March 2017. They were 9 boys and 10 girls, aged from 2 to 12 years (mean, 6.37 years): 10 left and 9 right sides were involved. According to the severity of fracture displacement, 11 cases had rotational displacement with their broken ends obviously inserted into one another, and 8 cases complete displacement with no contact of the broken ends. All the fractures were closed, treated with closed reduction by leverage and cross fixation with Kirschner wire. Postoperative complications were recorded and the elbow function was evaluated by the Flynn assessment system at the last follow-up. Results The operation time for the 19 patients ranged from 15 to 60 minutes, with an average of 30 minutes. The patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months (average, 18.0 months). All the fractures united after 2 to 4 months (average, 2.8 Months). At the last follow-up, according to the Flynn system, the elbow function was evaluated as excellent in 10 cases, good in 7, and fair in 2. No ossifying myositis, cubitus varus or iatrogenic injury to the ulnar nerve was observed in any patient. Nails had to be removed in one case due to implant loosening after pin-hole infection. Conclusion Closed reduction and Kirschner wire cross fixation is an ideal surgical treatment for refractory flexion-type supracondylar fracture of humerus in children, because its intraoperative closed pry reduction can reduce the rate of incision. Key words: Humeral fractures; Elbow joint; Bone nails; Reduction

Treatment of flexion-type supracondylar fractures in children: the 'push-pull' method for closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation.

Flexion-type supracondylar fractures are challenging to treat because, unlike extension-type fractures, it is difficult to take advantage of the intact periosteal hinge to stabilize the fracture fragments during percutaneous pinning. Some authors have described closed reduction of these fractures with the elbow in extension, followed by percutaneous K-wire fixation. However, percutaneous pinning with elbow in extension is technically difficult, time consuming, and usually requires the help of a skilled assistant because of persistent fracture instability. To circumvent these difficulties, we utilized a 'push-pull' maneuver, which simplifies the closed reduction and fixation of these difficult fractures. We describe the surgical technique for the 'push-pull' method and report radiographic outcomes of a case series of children with flexion-type supracondylar fractures treated using this technique. A retrospective review of medical records and radiographs of all children who underwent operative treatment of a flexion-type supracondylar humeral fracture using the 'push-pull' method in a tertiary-level children's hospital between January 2009 and January 2014 was carried out. Radiographic outcomes were reported using descriptive statistics. There were a total of nine patients (five females, four males), average age 9.8 years (4-14 years). Seventy-eight percent (7/9 patients) of the children had type III injuries, whereas 22% (two children) had type II injuries. The average duration of surgery was 41 min (24-60 min). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded. Postoperative radiographic measures showed that the anterior humeral line passed through the middle third of capitellum in 78% of patients (7/9 patients), whereas it passed posterior to it in 22% (two patients). The average humerocapitellar angle was 30° (21-44°) and the anterior coronoid line was unbroken in 44% (4/9 patients). The average humeroulnar angle was 13° (8-20°) of valgus. The 'push-pull' is a safe, effective, and easy method to treat unstable flexion-type supracondylar fractures in children with good radiographic postoperative outcomes. level IV.

Posterolaterally displaced and flexion-type supracondylar fractures are associated with a higher risk of open reduction.

To identify factors predictive of the risk of conversion from closed to open reduction. International Classification of Disease-9 codes were used to identify completely displaced pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures that were subjected to planned closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Clinical and radiographic variables were retrospectively collected. Compared with posterior extension fractures, flexion (risk ratio: 34.1, 95% confidence interval: 8.1-143.6, P<0.0001) and posterolateral extension (risk ratio: 6.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.3-27.5, P=0.0221) fractures were significantly more likely to undergo conversion from closed to open reduction. The direction of displacement should be considered during the preoperative evaluation of supracondylar fractures.

Low incidence of flexion-type supracondylar humerus fractures but high rate of complications

Background and purpose — Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common type of elbow fracture in children. A small proportion of them are flexion-type fractures. We analyzed their current incidence, injury history, clinical and radiographic findings, treatment, and outcomes.Patients and methods — We performed a population-based study, including all children <16 years of age. Radiographs were re-analyzed to include only flexion-type supracondylar fractures. Medical records were reviewed and outcomes were evaluated at a mean of 9 years after the injury. In addition, we performed a systematic literature review of all papers published on the topic since 1990 and compared the results with the findings of the current study.Results — During the study period, the rate of flexion-type fractures was 1.2% (7 out of 606 supracondylar humeral fractures). The mean annual incidence was 0.8 per 105. 4 fractures were multidirectionally unstable, according to the Gartland-Wilkins classification. All but 1 were operatively treated. Reduced range of motion, changed carrying angle, and ulnar nerve irritation were the most frequent short-term complications. Finally, in the long-term follow-up, mean carrying angle was 50% more in injured elbows (21°) than in uninjured elbows (14°). 4 patients of the 7 achieved a satisfactory long-term outcome according to Flynn’s criteria.Interpretation — Supracondylar humeral flexion-type fractures are rare. They are usually severe injuries, often resulting in short-term and long-term complications regardless of the original surgical fixation used.

Ipsilateral Supracondylar Fracture and Forearm Bone Injury in Children: A Retrospective Review of Thirty one Cases

Pediatric supracondylar fracture and forearm bone fracture is common in isolation but combined supracondylar fracture with ipsilateral forearm bone fracture, known as floating elbow is not common injury. The incidence of this association varies between 3% and 13%. Since the injury is rare and only limited literatures are available, choosing best management options for floating elbow is challenging. In retrospective review of 759 consecutive supracondylar fracture managed in between July 2005 to June 2011, children with combined supracondylar fracture with forearm bone injuries were identified and their demographic profiles, mode of injury, fracture types, treatment procedures, outcome and complications were analyzed. Thirty one patients (mean age 8.91 yrs, range 2-14 yrs; male 26; left side 18) had combined supracondylar fracture and ipsilateral forearm bone injury including four open fractures. There were 20 (64.51%) Gartland type III (13 type IIIA and 7 type III B), seven (22.58 %) type II, three (9.67 %) type I and one (3.22 %) flexion type supracondylar fracture. Nine patients had distal radius fracture, six had distal third both bone fracture, three had distal ulna fracture, two had mid shaft both bone injury and one with segmental ulna with distal radius fracture. There were Monteggia fracture dislocation, proximal ulna fracture, olecranon process fracture, undisplaced radial head fracture of one each and two undisplaced coronoid process fracture. Displaced forearm fracture required closed reduction and fixation with Kirschner wires or intramedullary nailing. Nineteen patients with Gartland type III fracture underwent operative intervention. Among them nine had closed reduction and K wire fixation for both supracondylar fracture and forearm bone injury. There were three radial nerve, one ulnar nerve and one median nerve injury and two postoperative ulnar nerve palsy. Three patients had pin tract related complications. Among type III, 16 (80%) patients had good to excellent, two had fair and one had poor result in terms of Flynn criteria in three months follow up. Displaced supracondylar fracture with ipsilateral displaced forearm bone injuries need early operative management in the form of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning which provides not only stable fixation but also allows close observation for early sign and symptom of development of any compartment syndrome.

Beware of ulnar nerve entrapment in flexion-type supracondylar humerus fractures

A recent study reported a higher incidence of pre-operative ulnar nerve symptoms in patients with flexion-type supracondylar fractures than in those with the more common extension supracondylar fractures and a greater need for open reduction (Kocher in POSNA paper #49 2006). We have encountered a specific pattern of flexion supracondylar fractures that often require open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) due to entrapment of the ulnar nerve within the fracture. Medical records and X-rays from 1997 to 2005 at our children's hospital were examined to identify flexion supracondylar fractures that required open reduction. The operative reports were reviewed to identify cases that had the ulnar nerve blocking the reduction. During the 8 years examined, 1,650 supracondylar fractures had been treated by means of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Of these, only 1.8% or 30 cases could not be reduced closed and required open reduction internal fixation, excluding 11 open fractures. Of the 30 fractures requiring open reduction internal fixation, 24 were of the extension type needing ORIF because of interposed periosteum/muscle. The other 6 patients had flexion-type supracondylar fractures that failed closed reduction. All had a persistent medial gap at the fracture site. All 6 fractures had interposed periosteum or muscle, while in 3 cases the ulnar nerve was also entrapped within the fracture site (Figs. 1, 2) Flexion-type supracondylar fractures remain a relatively uncommon variant (2-3%) of supracondylar fractures. Recent reports have noted that open treatment of these fractures is required more frequently than for extension fractures. In our series, 20% of the open cases were flexion-type fractures and in half of these the ulnar nerve was found to be entrapped in the fracture, preventing reduction.