Flexion type supracondylar humerus fractures: 12 year experience of a pediatric orthopedics clinic

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to review flexion type supracondylar humerus fractures in children and treatment options.
Patients and methods: Forty-seven patients (26 males, 21 females; mean age 8.6±3.2 years; range 4 to 15 years) who admitted to and were hospitalized in a pediatric orthopedics clinic between January 2002 and January 2014 due to flexion type supracondylar humerus fracture were included in this retrospective study. Fractures were classified according to Wilkins modification of Gartland system. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) were administered in all patients with type 2 and 3 fractures. An overhead traction or open reduction was applied when closed reduction could not be achieved with three manipulations. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically. The results were graded according to Flynn criteria.
Results: Four patients with type 1 fracture were treated conservatively. Of the remaining patients, we were able to perform CRPP successfully in 36 (83.7%). While six patients (14%) were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, one patient (2.1%) was treated with overhead traction. The results were excellent or good in 44 patients (93.7%).
Conclusion: Compared with extension type fractures, these fractures are seen in older children and are rarer. One should be prepared to perform open reduction especially for type 3 fractures. In our study, results of patients with type 3 fractures treated with CRPP were superior.