9 years' follow-up of 168 pin-fixed supracondylar humerus fractures in children

The fate of the malrotated elbow supracondylar fractures in children: is varus really a problem?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the functional and cosmetic effects of elbow supracondylar fractures (SCF) in children with residual rotational deformity.

METHODS

Retrospective review cohort of patients with evidence of malrotation after treatment for SCF. An analysis of the postoperative X-ray of 305 consecutive SCF type 3 treated surgically during five years identified 46 elbows with rotational deformity that fulfilled the selection criteria and were recalled for review; only 27 patients agreed to participate. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Clinically, the elbow and shoulder ROM were assessed. The postoperative fracture rotation (PFR) was radiologically measured using the Berdis method. Results were categorized according to Flynn criteria, and functional outcomes were evaluated with the QuickDASH questionnaire. On final assessment, a radiograph of both elbows was obtained, and measures were compared. Descriptive analysis was made calculating median, range, proportions, and confidence intervals. Non-parametric tests were used to test the association between variables.

RESULTS

The group had a median age of four years and a median follow-up of 52 months. Shoulder rotation was asymmetrical in 13 patients; six patients presented a change on carrying angle > 5° (4 varus/2 valgus). The higher the residual rotation, the higher the chances of an altered shoulder rotation (for each degree of PFR, the shoulder rotation was changed to 0.4°). However, there was a low correlation between the amount of rotation and the final carrying angle (r = 0.37). According to Flynn's criteria, over 95% had excellent or good results.

CONCLUSION

There was a weak correlation between varus and rotational malalignment. Patients with moderate residual malrotation could be expected to have a good outcome even if some shoulder rotation changes persist.

Time of surgery and surgeon level in supracondylar humerus fractures in pediatric patients: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Supracondylar humerus fractures account for more than 60% of all elbow fractures and about 1/5 of all pediatric fractures. Unfortunately, these fractures can be associated with risk of complications including neurovascular injuries, malunions and limb deformities. Controversy exists regarding the effect of time of surgical intervention and/or level of surgeon performing the surgery on outcome of these fractures.

AIM

To determine whether time of surgical intervention and/or surgeon level influence the outcomes of surgically managed pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 155 pediatric patients presenting with a supracondylar humerus fracture in a level 1 trauma center from January 2006 to December 2019. The data extracted included demographic data, fracture characteristics, surgical data, and follow-up outcomes. The collected data was analyzed and P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of the cohort, 11% of patients had documented post-operative complications, of which the majority occurred in surgeries performed after day time working hours and in fractures requiring open reduction. While the lowest complication rate was found in surgeries performed by pediatric orthopaedic surgeons, this did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

In pediatric patients undergoing surgery for supracondylar fractures, we found a higher complication rate when surgeries were not performed during working hours. Surgeon level and training had no significant effect on the risk of post-operative complications.

Radiological and Clinical Outcomes of Pediatric Patients With a Supracondylar Humerus Fracture Surgically Treated With Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning

OBJECTIVES

It was aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of patients operated on with closed reduction and pinning due to pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The radiological and clinical results of 100 patients operated on with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology were examined between January 2015 and February 2022. Clinical results were evaluated by performing cosmetic and functional scores defined by Flynn. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning techniques were used in surgical treatment.

RESULTS

In our study, 59 patients were male (59%), and 41 were female (41%). The average age of all patients is 6.21 ± 2.85 years. According to the Gartland classification, 21 patients' fractures were type IIA (21%), 12 patients' fractures were type IIB (12%), 51 patients' fractures were type III (51%), and 16 patients' fractures were type IV (16%). The average number of pins used in the treatment is 2.55 ± 0.50. The elbow bearing angle of the operated side of the patients was an average of 6.53 ± 3.29 degrees, the humerocapitellar angle was an average of 41.97 ± 3.08 degrees, and the lateral humerocapitellar angle was an average of 50.17 ± 3.58 degrees. Fifty-one patients had stage 0 (51%), 23 patients had stage 1 (23%), 23 patients had stage 2 (23%), and three patients had stage 3 (3%) residual sagittal plane deformity. According to the Flynn criteria, 92 patients had excellent functional results (92%), seven patients had good results (7%), and one patient had fair results (1%). Regarding cosmetic results, 91 patients had excellent results (91%), six patients had good results (6%), and three patients had fair results (3%).

CONCLUSION

Supracondylar humerus fractures are common in children and can cause serious complications. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning techniques are effective treatment methods in the treatment of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures.

A NEW FLUOROSCOPY TECHNIQUE FOR SUPRACONDYLAR HUMERUS FRACTURES

Introduction

To compare two different intraoperative fluoroscopy techniques used for closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) in pediatric patients with supracondylar humerus fractures (SHF).

Materials and Methods

Thirty-six patients who underwent SHF surgery from May 2011 to June 2019 were included in the study. During surgery, the classical fluoroscopy method (CFM) was used in 21 patients and the new fluoroscopy method (NFM) was used in the remaining 15 patients.

Results

The mean age was 5.14±1.13 years in the NFM group and 5.38±1.36 years in the CFM group. Mean operative time was 38.14±5.92 minutes in the CFM group and 21.54±3.48 minutes in the NFM group (p=0.001), while mean fluoroscopy times were 25.65±3.91 seconds and 39.84±7.50 seconds in the NFM and CFM groups, respectively (p=0.001). The NFM and CFM groups demonstrated similar functional capacity as measured by the Mayo Elbow Score (p=0.168). Direct radiographs obtained to measure Baumann's angle also showed that the two groups had similar results (p=0.848).

Conclusions

The NFM is a reliable and successful technique as it leads to shorter operative and fluoroscopy times, as well as providing improvement in functional scores and radiological outcomes in short-term follow-up. Level of Evidence III, Therapeutic Studies-Investigating the Results Level of Treatment.

Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures Can Be Safely Treated by Orthopaedic Surgeons With and Without Pediatric Fellowship Training

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of pediatric patients who were surgically treated for a supracondylar humerus fracture by pediatric fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons (PFT) to the outcomes of those surgically treated by orthopaedic surgeons without pediatric fellowship training (NPFT). We hypothesized that there would be no differences in patient outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent surgical treatment for a supracondylar humerus fracture with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) or open reduction and percutaneous pinning (ORPP) at a regional level 1 trauma center over a 5-year period was performed. Exclusion criteria were inadequate follow up or absence of postoperative radiographs.

RESULTS

A total of 201 patients met the inclusion criteria. Pediatric-fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeons treated 15.9% of patients. There was no statistically significant difference in carrying angle, Baumann's angle, or lateral rotation percentage at final follow up between PFT and NPFT groups. There was no permanent neurovascular compromise in either group. Patients treated by NPFT were more likely to return to the operating room for pin removal.

CONCLUSION

In this study, there was no difference in radiographic outcomes for patients with supracondylar humerus fractures surgically treated by either group. This suggests that pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures may be appropriately treated in communities without a pediatric-fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon without compromised outcomes.Level of Evidence: III.

Is Supine Position Superior to Prone Position in the Surgical Pinning of Supracondylar Humerus Fracture in Children?

BACKGROUND

Supracondylar humerus fracture (SCHF) is a frequent injury in pediatric ages. Closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation is a common treatment of displaced SCHF. Surgery is usually performed in the supine position; otherwise the prone position allows an easier fracture reduction and a safe placement of pins. The aim of study is to compare the clinical and radiographic results of the treatment of displaced SCHF, comparing two different intra-operative positionings.

METHODS

59 SCHF affected children were retrospectively divided into supine (Group 1; n = 34) and prone (Group 2; n = 25), according to intraoperative position. All treated subjects were clinically evaluated according to Flynn's criteria and Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and radiographically, including the measurement of the Baumann angle.

RESULTS

Clinically, Group 1, according Flynn's criteria, had excellent cosmetic outcome in 32 subjects (94.1%). Mean MAYO Score was 96.0 ± 3.8. Group 2, according Flynn's criteria, had excellent cosmetic outcomes in 23 subjects (92.0%). Mean MAYO Score was 97.8 ± 3.3. Radiographically, mean difference of Baumann's angle between the injured limb and the normal limb was 5.5° ± 1.0° in Group 1 and 5.1° ± 1.1° in Group 2.

CONCLUSION

Both supine and prone positioning achieved a satisfying outcome with similar results in joint function recovery and complications.

A Systematic Review of the Utility of Postoperative Imaging in the Management of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

BACKGROUND

Recently published studies call into question the clinical utility of postoperative radiographs in the management of pediatric supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures. This topic has been addressed as part of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Appropriate Use Criteria, although recommendations regarding serial radiographs were not included as part of the discussion. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the recent literature regarding the utility of postoperative radiographs as part of the management of SCH fractures.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature published between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2017 was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases to identify studies relevant to postoperative management of SCH. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, from which data pooled estimates and an analysis of heterogeneity were calculated.

RESULTS

The pooled estimate of changes in fracture management on the basis of postoperative radiographs was 1% (0.98±0.33). Significant interstudy heterogeneity was observed with an I test statistic of 76%. Changes in fracture management included prolonged immobilization following pin removal and return to the operating room.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a paucity of articles focusing on the utility or appropriate use of postoperative radiographs in changing management of SCH fractures, one of the most common upper extremity fractures in children. There is a very low rate of change in management on the basis of imaging, and frequently authors commented that the management change could have been prompted without routine serial radiographs. The cumulate findings of these studies suggest routine postoperative radiographs after SCH fractures are infrequently associated with changes in management. Practitioners should consider postoperative protocols with the intention of identifying early postoperative alignment loss or when the complication is suspected to prevent excessive routine radiography in the management of pediatric SCH fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-systematic review of level III studies.

Lateral-Only Kirschner-Wire Fixation of Type-3 Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children with a Special Attention to Technical Issues

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Lateral-only Kirschner-wire pinning of supracondylar humerus fracture is superior in avoiding surgery-related ulnar nerve injury. Their disadvantageous effects on stability may be a consequence of inappropriate surgical techniques. We analyzed whether the surgeon's preference for lateral-only fixation is associated with his or her orthopedic competence. We also analyzed the surgical technique-related risk factors of redisplacement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All children, aged <16 years, with a distal humerus fracture in 2000-2009 were preliminary included (N = 861). Altogether, 24 of the 165 type-3 supracondylar fractures were operated by lateral-only pinning. Loss of reduction in the follow-up was the main outcome, while the close characteristics of the surgical technique and treating surgeon's orthopedic competence were the explanatory variables.

RESULTS

Orthopedic surgeons used lateral-only method in 23.5% of the type-3 fractures (N = 16/68), and other surgeons in 8.2% (N = 8/97)(difference = 15.3%, 95% confidence interval = 4.6%-27.6%, p = 0.005). One-third of the lateral-only treated fractures (29.2%, 95% confidence interval = 12.6%-51.1%) redisplaced. Lateral-entry pins that crossed at the level of the fracture were associated with failure (87.5%), while no patient with appropriate pin configuration failed (difference = 87.5%, 95% confidence interval = 52.1%-97.8%). A shorter distance (<5 mm) between the entry points of the pins was associated with redisplacement (80% vs. 15.8%, difference = 64.2%, 95% confidence interval = 16.1%-86.9%). Open reduction (p = 0.07), insufficient (<4 mm) bone contact (p = 0.28), monocortical pins (p = 0.569), low diverging angle (p = 0.13) or parallel pins (p = 1.0), residual coronal displacement (p = 1.0), >5° changed Bauman angle (p = 0.11), rotational displacement (p = 0.25), and the experience or specialty of the surgeon were not associated with redisplacement.

CONCLUSION

Lateral-only pins resulted in poor stability in one in three of the patients. Appropriate configuration of the pins was associated with good fracture healing, but crossing the pins at the fracture level and introducing them close to each other were associated with redisplacement. Surgeons with more orthopedic competence selected lateral-only fixation more usually.

Temporary Fixation of Reduction with Fabric Adhesive Bandage in the Surgical Treatment of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

Background and objectives: Supracondylar humerus fractures are common in children and can be surgically treated. However, the general surgical procedures involving reduction and fixation might lead to reduction loss, failure to direct the Kirschner (K)-wire toward the desired position, prolonged surgery, or chondral damage. This study aimed to show that temporary fixation of closed reduction with a fabric adhesive bandage in pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures could maintain reduction so that surgical treatment can be easily performed by a single physician. Materials and Methods: Forty-six patients with Gartland type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures who underwent surgical treatment between May 2017 and June 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Fluoroscopy-guided reduction and fixation were performed from the distal third of the forearm to the proximal third of the humerus using a fabric adhesive bandage. Two crossed pins were applied on the fracture line by first inserting a lateral-entry K-wire and then inserting another K-wire close to the anterior aspect of the medial epicondyle and diverging from the ulnar nerve tunnel. A tourniquet was not applied in any patient and no patients required open reduction. Results: The study included 32 boys (69.6%) and 14 girls (30.4%) (mean age, 7.1; range, 2–16 years). The mean hospital stay and follow-up duration were 4.3 ± 3.9 days and 48.1 ± 14.3 weeks, respectively. Heterotopic ossification was detected in one patient, and ulnar nerve neuropraxia was detected in another patient. Functional (according to Flynn criteria) and cosmetic outcomes were excellent in 95.6%, moderate in 2.2%, and poor in 2.2% of patients. The mean duration of fixation of the closed reduction with a fabric adhesive bandage was 8.1 ± 3.9 min, and the mean duration of pinning was 7.9 ± 1.4 min. Conclusions: Temporary preoperative fixation of supracondylar humerus fractures that require surgical treatment with a fabric adhesive bandage may be significantly convenient in practice.

The Measurement Methods of Movement and Grip Strength in Children with a Previous Upper Extremity Fracture: A Comparative, Prospective Research

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Decreased range of motion of the elbow and forearm and decreased grip strength are potential findings following a childhood upper extremity fracture. Clinical follow-up is essential because spontaneous improvement is seen several months after the injury. Freehand measuring with a goniometer and hydraulic dynamometer is used to evaluate clinical result. The new methods are justified in avoiding human typewriting errors, thus improving patient safety. Nevertheless, their feasibility in child patients is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate congruence between the computer-assisted and the free-hand measuring methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 59 children with a previous supracondylar humerus fracture were clinically examined by means of free-hand (transparent goniometer and hydraulic dynamometer; Jamar, Lafayette Ltd.) and computer-assisted (E-Link System Packages, Biometrics Ltd.) methods. The range of motion and grip strength were measured separately using both methods. Agreement between the measurements was evaluated using the Bland-Altman method.

RESULTS

The results between the two methods were incongruent and the differences between measurements increased along with the mean of measurements in all categories except elbow extension. Rotational range of motions were smaller and grip strength was weaker while measuring with the computer-assisted method. The mean discrepancy was 0.97° (95% confidence interval = -2.46 to 0.53) for elbow extension and 7.97° (95% confidence interval = 6.60-9.33) for elbow flexion.

CONCLUSIONS

Grip strength is used to evaluate impairment of hand function. The study method showed slightly lower results in grip strength. Range of motion is essential when evaluating the outcome of supracondylar humerus fracture, while >10° of change in elbow range of motion associate with impaired function. As compared with the gold-standard goniometer, the methods were not congruent. However, all differences were under 10° and probably beyond clinical importance. Because of its advantages in recording the outcomes to electronical charts, the computer-assisted method is recommended option in performing the follow-up of complicated pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.

Paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures: the effect of the surgical specialty on the outcomes

PURPOSE

The effect of surgical specialty on the outcomes of paediatric patients treated for displaced supracondylar humeral fractures remains unclear. The results of residents, paediatric surgeons and orthopaedic surgeons were compared.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 108 children (0 to 16 years) treated for displaced humeral supracondylar fractures (Gartland II or III) requiring closed or open reduction under general anaesthesia were included. The patient charts and radiographs were evaluated to identify type, grade and neurovascular complications. Operative performance (operative time, quality of reduction, need for open reduction, complications) of residents, paediatric surgeons and orthopaedic surgeons were evaluated.

RESULTS

Residents used a crossed pin configuration for patients in 25/25 (100%), paediatric surgeons in 25/32 (78%) and orthopaedic surgeons in 33/33 (100%) (p = 0.0011). Loss of reduction was present in one patient treated with crossed pins, in two with lateral pins and in two without Kirschner-wires (p = 0.0034). The risk ratio of an unacceptable reduction was 4.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90 to 18, p = 0.070) for residents and 6.6 (95% CI 1.6 to 27, p = 0.0082) for paediatric surgeons as compared with orthopaedic surgeons. Complications were present in 37% of patients (11/30) for residents, 55% (24/44) for paediatric surgeons and 15% (5/34) for orthopaedic surgeons (p = 0.0013).

CONCLUSION

We found statistically significant differences in the incidence of unacceptable reduction, complications and the usage of crossed pin configuration between the surgical specialties. Patients would benefit from the practice of assigning the operative treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures to orthopaedic surgeons.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.