J Korean Fract Soc.  1994 May;7(1):65-71.

Change in Carrying Angle after Supraeondylar Fracture of the Humerus in Children

• Cho HO
• Kwak KD
• Cho SD
• Kim BY

Abstract

Supracondylar fracture of the humerus is the most common fracture about the elbow in children. Due to the thinners in this region, it is difficult to reduce the displaced fracture and to maintain the reduction. The purpose of this study is to review the change in carrying angle after this fracture with references to the level and type of the fracture and method of treatment. The authors reviewed 90 cases of supracondylar fracture in children. Ten cases were treated conservatively, sixty eight by percutaneous pinning and twelve by open reduction with regard to the level of the fractures, sixty nine cases(78.9%) revealed fracture through the olecranon fossa. And the less the age of the patient, the more distal was the level of the fracture. change in carrying angle was more common in fractures through the olecranon fossa, in cases of type 4 fractures and in cases of percutaneous pinning. About one third of the cases with fish-tail sign or medial impaction on postoperative roentgenogram showed change in carrying angle of more than 6 degrees. cases with change in carrying angle or more than 6 degrees revealed insufficient redutlon or inadequate fixation. In cases of open reducton the results were good or excellent in all.

Keyword

Carrying angle; Supracondylar fracture; Humerus; Children

MeSH Terms

Child*
Elbow
Humans
Humerus*
Methods
Olecranon Process