Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2025
Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
Published on: June 6, 2025
Late Deep Infections Complicating Percutaneous Pinning of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures
Achraf H Jardaly1, Ketrick LaCoste1, Shawn R Gilbert1,2
1University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Orthopaedics, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Insights
Late deep infections are rare but serious complications following pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture treatment. Early diagnosis and prolonged management are crucial for successful outcomes in these challenging cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Supracondylar humerus fractures are common in children.
- Percutaneous pinning is a standard treatment method.
Observation:
- This study details three pediatric cases of deep infection.
- Infections occurred at least one year after initial fracture treatment.
Findings:
- Osteomyelitis and/or septic arthritis were diagnosed.
- Treatment involved multiple surgical debridements, antibiotic beads, and prolonged antibiotic therapy.
Implications:
- Delayed deep infections post-percutaneous pinning require high clinical suspicion.
- Extended follow-up is essential for monitoring treatment efficacy and recurrence.
Objectives:
Complications following treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures are typically seen shortly postoperatively. Late complications occurring years after percutaneous pinning are rare but can be indolent and have permanent sequelae. We present cases of children presenting with late deep infections to discuss their diagnosis and treatment.
Methods:
After institutional review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed records of three children who developed deep infections at least one year after percutaneous pinning of their supracondylar humerus fracture. Patient details and outcomes were analyzed. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed along with each patient's clinical course and treatment.
Results:
We report 3 cases of osteomyelitis and/or septic arthritis presenting at least one year after supracondylar humerus fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. The patients required several irrigation and debridement procedures with placement of antibiotic beads in addition to a prolonged course of antibiotics.
Conclusion:
Delayed deep infections can occur after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures in children. Vigilance is required to diagnose and treat such occurrences, and prolonged follow-up is needed to monitor for recurrent or intractable infections.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management