Ulnar Neuropathies After Percutaneous Pin Fixation of Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus in Children

Abstract

Between 1990 and 1993, 98 children who had displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus, extension Type III, were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous crossed pin fixation. We found out that 12 patients (12 percent) had ulnar neuropathies as the result of treatment. 11 of 12 were delayed ulnar neuropathies and one was because penetration of K-wire to the ulnar nerve. Patients were treated conservatively and ulnar neuropathies resolved spontaneously at the average time of 4.5 months (range, 3 to 7 months). In our opinion, ulner neuropathies after percutaneous crossed pin fixation must be observed closely.