The pediatric T-supracondylar fracture

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Pediatric orthopedics
• Traumatology

Background:

• T-supracondylar humerus fractures are uncommon in pediatric populations.
• These fractures often present with displacement, and occasionally with open wounds or radial nerve palsy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of surgical management for pediatric T-supracondylar humerus fractures.
• To compare operative results with historical conservative treatment approaches.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 16 pediatric patients with T-supracondylar humerus fractures treated between 1975 and 1983.
• All patients underwent open reduction, internal fixation, and early mobilization.

Main Results:

• No functional disability was observed in any patient post-treatment.
• Two patients experienced significant loss of motion, but overall functional recovery was excellent.
• Surgical management demonstrated positive outcomes despite fracture severity.

Conclusions:

• Open reduction and internal fixation with early mobilization are recommended for pediatric T-supracondylar humerus fractures.
• Conservative management should be reconsidered for these intra-articular injuries.
• Operative treatment leads to favorable results in pediatric T-supracondylar humerus fractures.