European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Closed reduction with plaster of Paris slab immobilization has traditionally been used for supracondylar fractures, but loss of reduction and necessity of repeated manipulation likely results malunion producing varus or occasionally valgus deformity of elbow and elbow stiffness.
Because of lower percentage of good results and higher percentage of early and late complications compared with skeletal traction, percutaneous pinning and open reduction, casting is appropriate only for undisplaced fractures. The clinical material for the study consists of 30 cases of fresh supracondylar fractures of humerus in children of traumatic etiology meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Out of 19 patients which were treated by closed reduction, 16 patients (84.2%) showed excellent result and remaining 3 showed good results (15.8%) according to Mitchell and Adams criteria. Out of 11 patients treated by open reduction, 5 patients (45.5%) showed excellent results and 4 patients (36.4%) showed good results and 2 poor results (18.2%) were obtained with a statistically moderate significant value of p 0.045.

Although the incidence of these fractures generally has been reported to be higher in boys, more recent reports indicate that the frequencies of supracondylar humeral fractures in girls and boys seem to be equalizing, and some series actually have reported higher rates in girls. As soon as the patient was admitted, a detailed history was taken and a meticulous Examination of the patient was done. The required information was recorded in the proforma prepared. The patients radiograph was taken in antero-posterior and lateral views. The diagnosis was established by clinical and radiological examination. Out of 30 extension type, 15 patients had posteriomedial displacement while 10 patients had posteriolateral displacement. 5 patient were of Type II Gartland classification with posterior displacement. We encountered loss of pulse in one patient which recovered as soon as fracture was reduced. Median and radial Nerve injury in one patient each was encountered out of 30 patients which spontaneously recovered by 4-6 weeks’ time.