Treatment Of Supracondylar Humeral Fractures Research Articles

Behandlungsbedingte Schäden des N. radialis in der Kindertraumatologie

Iatrogenic damage of the N.ulnaris is a known complication of treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures in children. But damage to the N.radialis can also occur in the treatment of many typical fractures of the upper extremity during growth. There are no differentiated investigations on their incidence. This paper presents a prospective case collection and describes the personal experience with the occurrence and treatment of iatrogenic damage to the radial nerve during growth. In all 9 out of 20 cases occurred in the primary care setting, a further 9 under the metal removal and 2 on the occasion of corrective surgery. 50 % occurred after treatment of forearm shaft fractures, 39 % after distal-metaphyseal radius fractures, 11 % after radial neck fractures. In 80 % of the cases the sensory terminal branch was affected, in another 15 % the motor branch and in 5 % the main trunk of the nerve. The treatment of iatrogenic nerve damage should be cautious and restrained, spontaneous remissions, especially of pure sensory deficits, are common.

Fehler bei der Behandlung diaphysärer Frakturen der langen Röhrenknochen bei Kindern – Erfahrungen der norddeutschen Schlichtungsstelle

Statistics of the Arbitration Office of the North German Medical Boards for extrajudicial claim resolution show that nearly 30 % of all panel proceedings confirm medical malpractice. In proceedings concerning fractures in children the percentage rises to 63 % with significant differences in various fracture localisations. Between 2000 and 2011 the Arbitration Office dealt with 272 panel proceedings regarding the fracture treatment in children. In this study 83 proceedings concerning the treatment of diaphyseal fractures of the long bones are evaluated. The claims were related to the following specialities (p = number of proceedings, m = number of malpractices): orthopaedics/traumatology p = 46, m = 38; general surgery p = 17, m = 21; paediatric surgery p = 16, m = 13; anaesthesia p = 1, m = 1; general practitioner p = 2, m = 2. In 7 cases concerning obstetrics (4) and paediatrics (3) no malpractices could be established. In 5 cases two facilities/doctors were included in the same proceeding. On 17 occasions, 2 errors were made that were unrelated to each other. The overall frequency of malpractice was 69 % with no significant differences between the involved facilities. The diaphyseal fracture locations were: humerus p = 5, m = 2; radius and/or ulna (Monteggia fractures excluded): p = 29, m = 20; femur p = 29, m = 20; tibia (with or without fracture of the fibula): p = 20, m = 14. In conservative fracture treatment the following negligent adverse events were confirmed: severe skin lesions owing to either plaster extension or removal of the cast (11), omitted or insufficient reduction followed by consolidation in intolerable malposition (8), no inducement of corrective measures after consolidation in intolerable displacement (11). Following malpractices in the surgical treatment were classified as: no indication for surgical treatment (2), no osteosynthesis in spite of clear indication (3), technical failures in primary osteosynthesis (16), technical failures in repeated osteosynthesis (4), aspiration pneumonia due to missed intubation (1). The applied methods of osteosynthesis were intramedullary nailing, mainly ESIN p = 24, m = 12; plate p = 24, m = 5; fixateur externe p = 7, m = 5. The results of maltreated diaphyseal fractures were altogether moderate: transitional impairment due to delayed or repeated therapeutic measures with prolonged fracture healing, no functional loss 70 %, slight deformation of the forearm, minimal loss of mobility 21 %, remarkable deformation of the forearm with considerable impairment of mobility, especially pronation/supination, deformation of the radio-ulno-carpal joint unit 7 %. There are three main categories in the maltreatment of diaphyseal fractures: 1) Omission of fracture reduction with or without internal stabilisation in cases of relevant axial deviation by unjustified expectation of "spontaneous correction". 2) Omission of fracture reduction in cases of unmotivated or neglected secondary displacement. 3) Technical failures in performing of osteosynthesis resulting in instability or the creation of intolerable malposition requiring re-osteosynthesis. The high number of plate osteosyntheses in our series (44 %) is not representative for the general treatment of children's fractures in Germany. Most cases of plate osteosynthesis are related to corrective measures with clear indication. In nine casuistic representations the errors in treatment are explained. The evaluation of malpractice in the treatment of diaphyseal fractures in children confirms the consensus: correct assessment of fracture type, early adequate treatment and fracture control, early corrective measures after insufficient primary reduction or secondary dislocation, lead to fracture healing without any anatomic or functional deficiency. Reverse argument: fracture healing leading to anatomic and/or functional loss gives a very probable indication of malpractice.

The Efficacy of Intra-Articular Injections for Pain Control Following the Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning of Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures

The purpose of this single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial was to compare the analgesic efficacy of intra-articular injections of bupivacaine or ropivacaine with that of no injection for postoperative pain control after the operative treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures in a pediatric population. Subjects (n=124) were randomized to treatment with 0.25% bupivacaine (Group B) (n=42), 0.20% ropivacaine (Group R) (n=39), or no injection (Group C) (n=43). The opioid doses and the times of administration as well as child-reported pain severity (Faces Pain Scale-Revised) and parent-reported pain severity (Total Quality Pain Management survey) were recorded. The proportion of subjects who required morphine and/or fentanyl injections was significantly (p=0.004) lower in Group B (10%) as compared with Group R (36%) and Group C (44%). On the basis of the log-rank test, the opioid-free survival rates were significantly greater in Group B as compared to Groups C and R. Total opioid consumption (morphine equivalent mg/kg) in the first seventy-two hours postoperatively was significantly less in Group B as compared with Group C (mean difference, 0.225; [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.0152 to 0.435]; p=0.036). Parent-reported pain scores were also significantly lower in Group B as compared with both Group C (mean difference, 1.81 [95% CI, 0.38 to 3.25]; p=0.014) and Group R (mean difference, 1.66; 95% CI, 0.20 to 3.12; p=0.027). There were no significant differences across the three groups in terms of self-reported pain. Differences between Groups R and C were not significant for any of the outcome variables. The intra-articular injection of 0.25% bupivacaine significantly improves postoperative pain control following the closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humeral fractures in pediatric patients.

A modification of k-wiring technique for the treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures in children

A modification of k-wiring technique for the treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures in children

Supracondylar humerus fractures in children treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children are important for frequency and type of associated serious complications. The management of this kind of fractures is still controversial (Skaggs et al. in J Bone Joint Surg Am 86:702-707, 2004; Kalllio et al. in J Pediatr Orthop 12:11-15, 1992). We are going to present our experience in the treatment of supracondylar humeral fracture in children. In the Orthopedic Department of Pisa, we treated 150 cases from 1989 to 2006. We are used to perform, emergency or within 12 h, reduction and two lateral-entry percutaneous pins fixation. The mean age was 7.5 years. We checked 125 cases, because we excluded all the cases with follow up less then 5 years. The mean follow up was 8.2 years. We used Gartland classification modified by Wilkins. We evaluated 125 cases by using the Flynn classification: 100 % of patients did not have impairment of the elbow joint mobility. We had seven valgus deviation, one of which was more then 10°. We also had 17 varus deviations, 11 of which were not over 8° and only 2 of them were 15°. The average value of the joint Baumann angle was calculated as great as 16°. The obtained results were classified as very good 80 %, good 11 %, sufficiently good 6 %, and bad 3 %. In our experience, all the fractures type II and III by Gartland have to be treated within 12 h, with closed reduction and stabilization with lateral-entry K-wire technique. The conservative treatment by cast is indicated only in type I fracture. The trans olecranic treatment is not realizable, for the stiffness which can occur, for the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve lesion, and for long-time hospitalization. The open reduction remains the first choice treatment for exposed or nonreducible fractures, and in cases of vascular injury.

A Modification of the K-wiring Technique for Treatment of Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children

A Modification of the K-wiring Technique for Treatment of Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children

K-wire fixation for treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures in children: a comparison of different wire insertion techniques

Objective To compare the treatment outcomes of techniques of K-wire fixation for treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures in children and provide guidelines for selection of internal fixation methods for humeral supracondylar fractures in children.Methods Sixty-four cases d humeral supracondlylar fractures in children were treated by K-wire internal fixation from January 2004 to January 2009.They were divided into 2 groups, with similar fracure types distributed to each group.Group one (crisscross K-wire fixation) contained 38 cases among which 21 were Gartlad Ⅱ fractures and 17 were Gartland Ⅲ fractures.Group two (lateral parallel K-wire fixation) cases contained 26 cases among which 18 cases were Gartland Ⅱ fractures and 8 cases were Garland Ⅲ fractures.Postoperative elbow functions were evaluated and compared between the two groups.Statistical analysis of the excellent-good rate was carried out.Results Postoperatively all 64 patients were follow-up for 6 to 54 moths (average 26 months).The excellent-good rate of elbow fiuctions in group one and two was 92.1% and 84.6%, respectively.There was no significant difference in functional recovery between the two fixation methods (P＞ 0.05).However ulnar nerve injury occurred in 4 cases of the crisscross K-wire insertion group, while none occurred in the lateral parallel K-wire insertion group.Conclusion Crisscross and lateral parallel K-wire fixation have similar clinical outcomes in treating humeral supracondylar fiactures in children.Lateral parallel K-wire fixation technique is simpler and can avoid the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury.It therefore is an effective method to treat Gartland Ⅱ and Ⅲ supracondylar humerus fractures. Key words: Fracture fixation,internal; Child; Humeral supracondylar fractures

Effect of deferred treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures

Purpose Timing of surgery remains a controversial topic in the treatment of the supracondylar humeral fracture. In our institution, patients are not brought to theatre after midnight, except in the ‘life or limb’ situation. We hypothesised that time to surgery has no significant influence on complication rate with supracondylar fracture of the humerus. Methods A retrospective review was performed of all patients who required operative intervention for supracondylar fractures of humerus between 2004 and 2006. Patients' charts were assessed for demographic details, fracture type, time to theatre and complications. Statistical comparisons were performed between different fracture grades. Results We identified 124 supracondylar fractures of humerus that required operative intervention between 2004 and 2006. Fractures were mainly treated with operative manipulation with medial and lateral crossed K-wire fixation. Gartland III and flexion type fractures had a significantly shorter time to surgery than Gartland II ( p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in complication rate between fractures operated after midnight or deferred until the morning ( p = 0.68). Most common complications identified were ulnar nerve palsy and AIN palsy. Conclusions We have found no difference in complication rates when treatment of supracondylar fractures is delayed. Supracondylar fractures which are not grossly displaced, have no neurovascular deficit or risk of skin compromise, can be safely deferred without an increased risk of complication. Operative treatment of supracondylar fractures can be delayed until the next morning, except in the ‘life or limb’ situation.

The Effectiveness of Physiotherapy After Operative Treatment of Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children

The indications for physiotherapy after supracondylar humeral fractures in children are not clear in the literature, even in the presence of an active or passive limitation of elbow joint motion. The authors therefore performed a prospective randomized study to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy in improving the elbow range of motion after such fractures. The authors studied two groups of 21 and 22 children with supracondylar humeral fractures Felsenreich types II and III, all without associated neurovascular deficits. All children were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wires inserted from the radial side of the humerus. Postoperative follow-up at 12 and 18 weeks showed a significantly better elbow range of motion in the group with weekly physiotherapy, but there was no difference in elbow motion after 1 year. In each group, one child had an extension deficit of 15 or 20 degrees. The authors conclude that postoperative physiotherapy is unnecessary in children with supracondylar humeral fractures without associated neurovascular injuries.

Supracondylar humeral fractures in children

Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning may be favored slightly when compared with open reduction in the treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures in children. Elbow range of motion appears to be better in this group and there is a suggestion that these patients may have shorter hospitalization times and slightly shorter healing times. However, it has also been shown that open reduction can be safe and effective, and the two methods give similar results in humeral-ulnar angle differences and neurological impairment. Additional studies are recommended to verify and further clarify these results.

Early or Delayed Surgical Treatment of Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children

Early or Delayed Surgical Treatment of Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children

Early or Delayed Surgical Treatment of Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children

Palmer, S. H. MBBS, FRCS(Tr and Orth); Kocher, Mininder S. MD, MPH; Erens, Greg MD; Thornhill, Thomas S. MD; Ready, John E. MD

Early or Delayed Surgical Treatment of Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children

Early or Delayed Surgical Treatment of Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children

The effect of surgical timing on the perioperative complications of treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures in children.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perioperative complication rates associated with early surgical treatment (eight hours or less following injury) and delayed surgical treatment (more than eight hours following injury) of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children. Fifty-two patients had early surgical treatment and 146 patients had delayed surgical treatment of a displaced supracondylar humeral fracture. The perioperative complication rates of the two groups were compared with the use of bivariate and multivariate statistical methods. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to the need for conversion to formal open reduction and internal fixation (p = 0.56), pin-track infection (p = 0.12), or iatrogenic nerve injury (p = 0.72). No compartment syndromes occurred in either group. Power analysis revealed that our study had an 86% power to detect a 20% difference between the two groups if one existed. We were unable to identify any significant difference, with regard to perioperative complication rates, between early and delayed treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures. Within the parameters outlined in our study, we think that the timing of surgical intervention can be either early or delayed as deemed appropriate by the surgeon.

Olecranon traction using a recycled plate: a new technique for supracondylar humeral fractures

Various methods of olecranon traction have been described for treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures. Each technique, however, has its own drawbacks. We describe a new technique of olecranon traction using a screw and recycled plate, which is free of these drawbacks.

Localization of the ulnar nerve during percutaneous wiring of supracondylar fractures in children

Injury of the ulnar nerve may occur when using percutaneous Kirschner wires (K-wires) in the treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures of the elbow especially in children whose bony landmarks are masked by swelling. We describe a technique in which this complication can be avoided during the procedure. The nerve is located first using a needle attached to a nerve stimulator. The K-wire is then inserted 0.5 to 0.75 mm anterior and parallel to the needle. Ten supracondylar fractures of the humerus were stabilized using this procedure and there were no ulnar nerve complications.