Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026
A Rat Tibial Growth Plate Injury Model to Characterize Repair Mechanisms and Evaluate Growth Plate Regeneration Strategies
Published on: July 4, 2017
A study of vascular injuries in pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures
Ritabh Kumar1, Vivek Trikha, Rajesh Malhotra
1Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Insights
Supracondylar humerus fractures in children can compromise vascularity. Aggressive surgical intervention for Gartland grade III fractures with vascular signs improves outcomes, though amputation is a risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Trauma Surgery
- Vascular Injury Management
Background:
- Supracondylar humerus fractures are common in children.
- Gartland grade III fractures indicate significant displacement.
- Vascular compromise is a serious complication requiring prompt recognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate outcomes of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures with vascular compromise.
- To assess the effectiveness of immediate surgical intervention.
- To highlight the importance of clinical evaluation and surgical approach.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 194 pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.
- Focused analysis of 49 Gartland grade III fractures with suspected vascular compromise.
- Surgical management including open reduction, internal fixation, and exploration.
Main Results:
- Five cases of Gartland grade III fractures presented with suspected vascular compromise.
- Four out of five patients had satisfactory outcomes post-surgery.
- One patient required limb amputation due to the severity of vascular injury.
Conclusions:
- Prompt clinical evaluation for vascular injury in pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures is crucial.
- An aggressive surgical approach is indicated for fractures with vascular compromise.
- Early intervention can lead to favorable outcomes, but amputation remains a potential risk.
Abstract:
194 children with supracondylar fractures of the humerus were reviewed. Of the 49 children with Gartland grade III displacement, signs of vascular compromise were clinically suspected in 5 cases. Immediate open reduction, internal fixation and exploration were performed. Four children had a satisfactory outcome. One child required amputation. A careful clinical evaluation for vascular injury and an aggressive surgical approach is suggested, when indicated.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:19Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus