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[Volkmann's contracture and suprcondylar fractures of the humerus in children]

J Preis1

  • 1Oddĕlení dĕtské chirurgie FN, Hradec Králové.

Rozhledy V Chirurgii : Mesicnik Ceskoslovenske Chirurgicke Spolecnosti
|November 15, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Compartment syndrome and Volkmann's contracture in children result from supracondylar humerus fractures. Prevention is achievable through careful fracture management, including minimal elbow flexion and precise reduction techniques.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Pediatric trauma care

Context:

  • Supracondylar humerus fractures are the leading cause of compartment syndrome and Volkmann's contracture in children.
  • Concurrent brachial artery injury is often associated with these fractures.
  • Traditional treatment involving elbow flexion in casts has been linked to contracture development.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the impact of specific treatment methods on preventing Volkmann's contracture following pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.
  • To identify key factors in preventing compartment syndrome in this patient population.

Summary:

  • A study of 257 pediatric patients with displaced supracondylar humerus fractures found no cases of Volkmann's contracture.
  • Seven children with brachial artery obliteration were successfully treated non-operatively.
  • Key preventive measures include minimal elbow flexion, careful closed reduction, percutaneous pinning, and diligent clinical follow-up.

Impact:

  • Demonstrates that Volkmann's contracture can be effectively prevented in pediatric patients with displaced supracondylar humerus fractures.
  • Highlights the importance of specific, conservative management strategies in avoiding severe upper extremity complications.
  • Provides evidence-based guidelines for orthopedic surgeons managing pediatric humerus fractures.

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