Neurovascular abnormalities in Gartland III supracondylar fractures in children

R Bălănescu1, Al Ulici, D Rosca

  • 1UMF Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania.

Chirurgia (Bucharest, Romania : 1990)
|April 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This study compared forearm supination versus pronation for treating pediatric elbow fractures. Both reduction methods for Gartland grade III supracondylar humerus fractures showed similar safety and effectiveness regarding neurovascular complications.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatric Trauma
  • Surgical Techniques

Background:

  • Supracondylar humerus fractures are common pediatric elbow injuries.
  • Posteriorly displaced fractures can present with complex angulation and rotation.
  • Gartland grade III fractures require careful reduction to avoid neurovascular compromise.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if reduction and pinning maneuvers for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures cause neurovascular abnormalities.
  • To compare the neurovascular consequences of reducing Gartland grade III supracondylar humerus fractures using forearm supination versus pronation.

Main Methods:

  • Two groups of 40 pediatric patients with Gartland grade III supracondylar humerus fractures were compared.
  • Group 1 underwent closed reduction in pronation.
  • Group 2 underwent closed reduction in supination.

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes were observed between the two groups.
  • No significant differences in neurovascular complications were found between the supination and pronation reduction methods.
  • Both closed reduction methods are considered safe and effective for Gartland grade III supracondylar humerus fractures.

Conclusions:

  • Forearm supination and pronation are equally safe and effective for closed reduction of Gartland grade III supracondylar humerus fractures.
  • Neither reduction technique demonstrated a higher risk of neurovascular complications.
  • Both methods are viable options for treating these common pediatric elbow fractures.

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