Neurovascular complications and severe displacement in supracondylar humerus fractures in children: defensive or offensive strategy?

Abstract

Out of 210 children suffering from severely displaced supracondylar fractures, 76 (36%) presented with immediate neurovascular complications: 47 (22%) were neurological, 16 (8%) vascular and 13 (6%) both. Injury to two nerves simultaneously was observed in six patients. The median nerve was affected in 28 cases, the ulnar nerve in 25 and the radial nerve in 13. Posterolateral displacement was associated with 86% of damage to the median nerve and 56% of damage to the ulnar nerve. Posteromedial displacement was associated with all incidents of injury to the radial nerve with one exception. Each patient made full neurological recovery, spontaneously and following primary or secondary neurolysis performed on nerve injuries in continuity. Two situations of primary abolition of the radial pulse were encountered, one involving a pink hand in 12.5% of cases and the other involving a white hand in 1.5% of cases. There was posterolateral displacement in three out of four patients. Postoperative vascularization was revealed by immediate return of the radial pulse in 26 patients and delayed return in three others. Urgent anatomical reduction of the fracture and its early fixation are crucial. A conservative therapeutic approach is customary in the majority of neurovascular complications. Prognosis is generally excellent. Ischaemia of the limb and total ruptures of the nerve are very rare.