J Korean Fract Soc.  2006 Jan;19(1):83-88. 10.12671/jkfs.2006.19.1.83.

Treatment of Pediatric Displaced Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus by Pin Leverage Technique

• Lee HY
• Song JH

• KMID: 2063829
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2006.19.1.83

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate a new treatment method by pin leverage technique in Gartland type III fractures to avoid forceful manipulation or open reduction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
99 cases were included in this study and divided into 3 groups (I;open reduction, II; closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation, III; pin leverage technique), and we analyzed timing to operation, length of operation, associated neurovascular injuries, complications, and clinical and radiological outcomes at final follow-up.
RESULTS
The average length of operation 119, 57, and 68 minutes respectively. The associated nerve injuries were 8, 2, and 2 cases respectively. There were a case of superficial pin tract infection in group I, three cases of superficial pin tract infection and a case of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in group II. At final follow-up, clinical results were excellent or good in all cases and there were 5 cases (8.3%) of fair results in group II radiologically. Closed reduction with pin leverage technique were failed in 5 cases.
CONCLUSION
In treatment of Gartland type III fractures, pin leverage reduction technique is considered to be a good alternative prior to open reduction, because it provides shortened length of operation, avoidance of forceful manipulation and open reduction.

Keyword

Children; Humerus; Displaced supracondylar fracture; Pin leverage technique

MeSH Terms

Child
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Humerus*
Ulnar Nerve