Supracondylar Fracture of the Humerus in Children: Part I : Extension - Valgus Fracture

Bhyun, Sang Yoon; Kim, Bong Keun; Chung, Duke Whan; Han, Jung Soo; Shin, Hee Soo

Abstract

The authors made an attempt to classify the supracondylar extension-valgus fracture according to the direction and location of the fracture line based on the radiographic manifestation. This new classification helps to dictate the model of treatment, possible sequence of reduction and the causes of deformity of the elbow after treatment. During the last 12 years of this study, 200 supracondylar fractures of the humerus were treated in the Kyung Hee University Hospital. Of the cases 82 were extension-valgus fractures. The results were as follows: 1. The supracondylar extension-valgus fracture were classified into 5 types: Type I: fish-tail fracture (14 cases) Type II : obtuse fish-tail fracture (27 cases) Type III: oblique fracture (16 cases) Type IV: oblique fracture with comminution of lateral column (14 cases) Type V: Transverse fracture (11 cases) 2. The displacement of the distal fragment in the fish-tail fracture is severe but it can be reduced easily by manipulation. Once reduction has been obtained, the fracture is stable and maintained by a long arm cast with acute flexion of the elbow alone. There is no need of percutaneous pinning. Among 14 cases of type I fracture there was no cubitus varus deformity. 3. The line of the obtuse fish-tail fracture lies distal to fish-tail fracture. This is unstable so it is necessary to percutaneous pinning. 4. The oblique fracture is produced by the hyperextension of the elbow and degrees of the obliquity of the fracture line were 12 to 20 degrees (Av. 14 degrees). The valgus angles in opposit elbows were 9 to 25 degrees (Av. 16 degrees). The forearm must be pulled into valgus position during the reduction of the fracture. 5. Type IV fracture occures under 4 years old, and more commonly in girls. This is unstable, so it is necessary to percutaneous pinning.