Leverage application on Gartland type IV supracondylar humeral fracture in children

Although the most complex management of Gartland type IV supracondylar humeral fracture (SCHF) due to instability, the gold standard of initial treatment remains closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. However, open reduction was inevitable in most published studies. This study reports the outcome of treatment by leverage-assisted closed reduction.

Twenty-seven patients were diagnosed as Gartland type IV SCHF during surgery in 214 preoperative Gartland type III fractures. Leverage-assisted reduction with percutaneous lateral pinning was done in these patients after failure of close reduction. Evaluations were performed with radiographic examination, clinical assessment and Flynn's criteria by interview and physical examination.

All 27 patients obtained acceptable reduction by leverage-assisted close reduction and percutaneous pinning. The average follow-up was 23.6 (18-30 months). There was no neurovascular complication, infection, nonunion, myositis ossificans or Volkmann's contracture. Evaluation of Baumann's angle was towards varus (74-74.2°). There was no significant difference (p = 0.1876). Flynn's criteria were excellent in 22 (81.5 %) patients, good in four (14.8 %) and fair in one (3.7 %). The rate of excellent and good outcome was 96.3 % and of satisfactory 100 %.

We recommend leverage-assisted closed reduction as an option before open reduction in type IV SCHF, not only for gold standard management but also because of satisfactory outcomes and the low incidence of major complications.