Predictive factors determining outcomes in pulseless limb in paediatric supracondylar fractures of humerus

Amongst all the complications associated with paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures, significant vascular injury is reported in only 1% cases, of which, less than 1% develop Volkmann's ischemic contracture. This study evaluates factors, like delay in presentation of the injury, limb perfusion and pulse, in determining functional outcome in a supracondylar humerus fractures with pulseless limb.

Twenty-one paediatric patients with a pulseless supracondylar humerus fracture presenting from 2012 to 2014 were included. The patients were divided into 3 groups with Group A (pulse returned post-reduction, n = 13), Group B (pink pulseless hand, n = 7) and Group C (white pulseless hand, n = 1). 11 patients in group A and 4 patients in Group B presented within 6 h. of injury while the remaining patients presented after 6 h. The primary outcome was vascular status as indicated by radial pulse and perfusion, and secondary outcomes included functional parameters assessed with Mayo Elbow Performance Score and Flynn criteria.

Mean peripheral SpO2 in Group A patients was higher than Group B and Group C had a non-recordable oxygen saturation. Mean capillary refill time was more in Group A than Group B whereas in Group C patient had blanching and no capillary refill was seen. Mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score of Group A patients was highest as compared to Group B and Group C. Patients presenting within 6 h. of injury had a higher mean Mayo Elbow Performance score as compared to the patients presenting after 6 h of injury. Functional outcome as measured by Flynn Criteria was excellent in 13 patients. 6 patients had a good, 2 had fair outcome. A moderate negative corrélation (R = -0.5798) was seen between the time elapsed from the injury and the Mayo Elbow Performance score.

Duration to presentation since injury, limb perfusion and presence of peripheral pulses seem to be important predictive factors determining the outcomes in pulseless supracondylar fracture humerus.