Abstract
The cases of 230 patients who had a displaced extension-type supracondylar fracture of the humerus were reviewed retrospectively. The results of treatment by four different methods were assessed clinically and compared. The mean length of follow-up was 4.6 years (range, one to nine years). The highest percentages of excellent results were achieved by percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation (78 per cent), skeletal traction (67 per cent), and open reduction with internal fixation (67 per cent). Closed reduction and application of a cast was associated with a significantly lower percentage of excellent results (51 per cent) and a higher percentage of early and late complications, including Volkmann ischemic contracture and cubitus varus. It is recommended that treatment with a case be reserved for undisplaced fractures only. Percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation is advocated as the method of choice for the majority of displaced fractures.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 641-650 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - Series A |
Volume | 70 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1988 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine