The displaced supracondylar humerus fracture: indications for surgery and surgical options: a 2014 update

Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common elbow fractures in children. Choice of treatment may be guided by the Gartland classification. Recent studies recommend conservative management for non or minimally displaced fractures, whereas there seems to be a trend towards surgical intervention for all displaced fractures. The purpose of this review is to discuss the various treatment options for displaced supracondylar humerus fractures.

Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning are the preferred treatment options for most displaced pediatric supracondylar fractures of the humerus. The ideal pin configuration has always been subject to great controversy. It is well known that placement of a medial pin carries the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, whereas lateral pinning carries an increased risk of median neuropathy. Therefore, given the potential risk, it is recommended to avoid medial pinning to prevent damage to the ulnar nerve and stabilize the fracture with two or three lateral pins.

Today, the preferred treatment of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children is immediate closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with two or three lateral pins. In case of instability of the medial column, a medial pin may be used, but possibility of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury should be considered.