Systematic review of paediatric pulseless pink humerus supracondylar fractures

Abstract

The supracondylar humeral fracture (SCHF) is the most common fracture seen in children, forming up to 70% of all pediatric elbow fractures. The decision to surgically explore the brachial artery in a well-perfused, pulseless arm remains a controversial one among vascular and orthopedic surgeons and is something we seek to explore in this article. We reviewed the literature from electronic databases such as PubMed and Embase for studies focusing on the management of the pink pulseless hand (PPH) following SCHF. We gathered a total of 23 articles to be analyzed in this review. We found 336 PPH postreduction and evaluated the management as well as the follow-up and complications of the PPH involved. Most recent articles have cited the close observation strategy as the most reliable strategy. It is clear that the management of a SCHF requires immediate reduction and fixation. In the management of a postoperatively pulseless pink humerus, we do agree with the latest conclusion of Delionitis et al. who advocate the traditional dogma of watchful waiting in the case of a PPH postreduction and fixation as long as no signs of vascular deterioration appear. However, the outcome of this study also advocates for the monitoring of up to 24–48 h postreduction and the use of noninvasive tools such as ultrasound Doppler, Color flow duplex Ultrasound and pulse oximetry to monitor perfusion as they all have had good outcomes in the articles cited in this review. Still, in the event of vascular deterioration or development of complications of the hand, immediate vascular exploration is still indicated.