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. 2021 Jul 26;92(S3):e2021015.
doi: 10.23750/abm.v92iS3.11725.

Supracondylar fractures in children: management and treatment

Gian Mario Micheloni  1 , Michele Novi  2 , Massimiliano Leigheb  3 , Andrea Giorgini  4 , Giuseppe Porcellini  5 , Luigi Tarallo  6
Affiliations

Supracondylar fractures in children: management and treatment

Gian Mario Micheloni et al. Acta Biomed. .

Abstract

Supracondylar humeral fractures are widely considered the most common elbow fracture in children. Gartland classification plays a fundamental role in decision-making regarding management and prognosis. Recent literature recommends conservative management for non or minimally displaced fractures, whereas there seems to be a trend towards surgical treatment for all displaced fractures. The preferred treatment for displaced Gartland II and Gartland III fractures is closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with lateral pins. In particular patterns medial pin is recommended for obtain a stable construct. Neurovascular complications are mostly associated with Type III fractures and sometimes surgical exploration with fracture reduction is needed. Correct diagnosis and proper management protocol is mandatory for avoid early and late complications such as neurovascular impairment and malunion.

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Conflict of interest statement

Each author declares that he or she has no commercial associations (e.g. consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangement etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Gartland classification of supracondylar humeral fractures in children.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Gartland type III supracondylar humeral fracture (A: Anteroposterior view, B: Lateral view).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Post-operative x-rays of cross-pinning fixation (A: Anteroposterior view, B: Lateral view).
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Gartland type III supracondylar humeral fracture (A: Anteroposterior view, B: Lateral view).
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Clinical result after reduction and stabilization with lateral pins.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Lateral pin fixation: post-operative x-rays (A: Anteroposterior view, B: Lateral view).
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Brachialis interposition at the fracture level that require open reduction.
Figure 8.
Figure 8.
Clinical result after reduction and stabilization with lateral pins.
Figure 9.
Figure 9.
Radial artery and nerve entrapment at the fracture site.
Figure 10.
Figure 10.
Radial artery and nerve after after estraction from the fracture.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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