Treatment of the displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus (type III) with closed reduction and percutaneous cross-pin fixation

Abstract

Forty-five consecutive patients treated for displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus, Type III, by means of closed reduction and percutaneous crossed-pin fixation, were studied retrospectively. Thirty-three were available at an average of 33 months post-injury for clinical and radiographic follow-up of the affected and nonaffected extremities. Five additional patients returned radiographs for analysis. Baumann's angle and a lateral humeral capitellar angle were assessed and found to be useful clinical guides for assessing the adequacy of maintenance of fracture reduction. Based upon Flynn's criteria, 31 of 33 patients clinically assessed had a satisfactory result. Closed reduction with percutaneous pin fixation is believed to represent a safe, reliable, and efficient method of managing this difficult fracture.