Prospective Study of Functional and Radiological Outcome after Operative Management of Supracondylar Fracture Humerus in Children.

Abstract

Introduction: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are the most frequently encountered injuries around the elbow with predominantly occurring in age group 5-7 years, with a higher incidence among male. Research has indicated that for displaced humeral supracondylar fractures, both closed and open reduction with internal fixation using K-wires results in more stable outcomes.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the functional and radiological outcome of operative management of supracondylar fracture humerus in children.

Materials and methods: It was a prospective study from 2022 to 2024. The study included 53 patients with close supracondylar fractures humerus who were surgically managed by either closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) by K-wire fixation, cross pinning, or lateral pinning fixation. The functional and radiological outcomes were assessed by Flynn's criteria.

Results: Out of 53, according to Flynn criteria out of 53 patients, 14 (26.4%) of the patients had excellent outcomes, 28 (52.83%) had good outcomes, 7 (13.2%) had fair outcomes, and 4 (7.5%) had poor outcomes. Satisfactory results in 49 patients (93.33%) and unsatisfactory results in 4 (7.54%) patients.

Conclusion: CRPP is a preferred method for treating displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children due to its minimally invasive nature, ability to maintain fracture alignment, and generally favorable outcomes with complete functional range of motion and good pain relief along with fracture union. CRPP and ORIF groups had no significant difference with respect to functional outcome. Neurovascular complications most frequently occur with Gartland type 3 and type 4 extension supracondylar fractures.