A LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP-STUDY OF CHILDREN WITH SUPRACONDYLAR FRACTURES OF THE HUMERUS

A retrospective study to assess the long-term results of the treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus was undertaken to provide g uidance on the management of these troublesome injuries. In our experi ence as long as there was less than 25 % displacement on an antero-pos terior (A/P) or lateral x-ray, and less than 10-degrees angulation on an A/P or lateral x-ray, it is not essential to achieve an anatomical reduction, and good elbow function could be expected. Although childre n do not appear to correct for valgus or varus deformity there was no functional deficit from this deformity in this series. It was found th at major displacements were more likely to have a worse result than un displaced or minimally displaced fractures. These results would suppor t a conservative approach to the management of these fractures - close d reduction followed by three weeks in a collar and cuff. If the posit ion proved unstable, closed reduction was re-attempted or internal fix ation performed. Conservative treatment was safe and effective, and th e results comparable with other series that advocate internal fixation .