Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of displaced Supracondylar Fractures of Humerus with Crossed K-wires via Medial Approach

This study aimed at evaluating the medial approach for open reduction and internal fixation of Gartland type 3 displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus in children. A prospective, single centre study of on displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in 42 children was carried out at our institute. All fractures were managed with open reduction and internal fixation with crossed K-wires via medial approach. The mean follow-up was 12 months and patients were assessed according to Flynn’s criteria. No patients had post-operative ulnar nerve injury. Cubitus varus was not seen in any patient. Superficial pin tract infection occurred in three patients that subsided with anti-septic dressings and antibiotics. No deep infection occurred. 88.09 % patients showed satisfactory results as per Flynn’s criteria. The medial approach provides an excellent view of the supracondylar area. The approach is convenient due to a lower risk for ulnar nerve injury and better acceptability of the medial incisional scar.

Head injury caused by tear gas cartridge in teenage population

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the head injury in children caused by an unusual projectile, a tear gas cartridge. The study is the only one on this subject which has been done in a teenage population.

METHOD

This was a prospective study conducted over a period of 4 years in which all the patients aged less than or equal to 18 years and who had a head injury due to a tear gas cartridge were included.

RESULTS

We had 5 patients in our study group. All the patients were males. Commonest CT scan finding was brain contusion with skull fracture. One of our patients died. One patient continues to be in vegetative state whereas 3 had a good outcome.

CONCLUSION

Tear gas cartridge, though considered as one of the benign modalities of controlling agitated crowds, is not really benign. It can cause serious injuries and mortality. The personnel using them might be trained in a better way so that the people do not receive direct hits. In addition some changes in the design of tear gas cartridge can be done to decrease the impact to the skull.