Study of outcomes of supracondylar Humerus fracture with ipsilateral lower end radius fracture in children

Abstract

Supracondylar humerus fracture with forearm fractures are rare with reported incidence ranging from 3% to 13%. We have treated ten patients with ipsilateral supracondylar humerus fracture with distal radius fracture. One had a Gustillo-Anderson Grade 2 open supracondylar humerus fracture. All displaced fractures were treated with K-wire fixation by closed method except the open fracture which warranted wound debridement and subsequent open reduction. A follow up of at least 6 months is available for all our patients. All fractures showed signs of union by 6 weeks when K-wires were removed. At 6 months, 9 patients had excellent outcome while one patient with recovering radial nerve palsy had fair outcome. No cases of non-union or loss of reduction were seen in the post-operative period. Pin tract site infection was seen in one patient with open fracture which resolved after K-wire removal and antibiotic coverage. This study recommends a screening radiographs of forearm and wrist in patients with supracondylar humerus fractures to rule out any associated forearm/wrist injury. We also recommend closed reduction and K-wire fixation of the displaced supracondylar humerus as well as distal radius fractures.