The long-term outcome of childhood supracondylar humeral fractures

Abstract

The long-term outcome of extension-type supracondylar humeral fractures is generally good, but not exclusively benign, with the potential for long-term pain and ulnar nerve sensitivity, and a decrease in grip strength and range of movement in type II and type III fractures. Bony remodelling cannot be relied upon to correct any residual deformity. In particular, type II fractures have impaired long-term recovery and justify individual consideration in their treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1410-17.

9 years’ follow-up of 168 pin-fixed supracondylar humerus fractures in children

“…In the study by Sinikumpu et al. ( 2016 ) (follow-up rate 76%), good or excellent results were achieved in 22 of 33 patients with grade II and III SCHF treated by either percutaneous or open pin fixation after minimum follow-up of 10 years. Our results (clinical follow-up rate 31%) were clearly better with good or excellent cosmetic and functional outcome in 56 and 60 of the 65 patients who were clinically examined at mean follow-up of 9 years.…”

“…Sinikumpu et al. ( 2016 ) reported, also from Finland, that 9/25 of patients experienced pain at least 10 years after grade III fractures, whereas after grade I or II fractures the pain prevalence did not differ from normal age-matched controls. Fewer patients (14%) reported pain in our study without correlation to fracture grade but in association with nerve injury.…”

“…Sinikumpu et al. ( 2016 ) have reported 12 years’ long-term subjective outcome of 81 patients assessed by Mayo elbow performance score, but most of the patients had non-displaced SCHFs that were treated non-operatively. The Mayo score in the 25 patients with grade III fractures was excellent (mean 93), but range was not reported.…”

“…Sagittal plane malunion can lead to permanent changes in elbow range of motion (ROM) (Sinikumpu et al. 2016 ). Long-term outcome of SCHF is usually assessed clinically by Flynn’s criteria (Flynn et al.…”

Supracondylar humerus fractures in children: the effect of weather conditions on their risk

“…Despite all interventions, up to 25% of the children with supracondylar humerus fractures show some morbidity at long-term follow-up [28]. The rate of longterm morbidity is more than 40% in flexion-type supracondylar humerus fractures [17].…”