Treatment of Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus in Children and Percutaneous Internal Fixation versus Reduction with no Internal Fixation

Abstract

Introduction: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are the second most frequent type of fractures in children. The worldwide prevalence ranges between 3 and 16%, with predominance in males. The urgency of immediate care lies in the prevention of complications and sequelae.

Objective: To describe the results of the treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children with percutaneous internal fixation.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out in patients with supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children, treated at “Carlos Manuel de Céspedes” Hospital in Bayamo, from 2018 to 2019. Absolute frequencies and percentages were calculated. The variables evaluated were age, sex, type of treatment used, complications, and final results obtained.

Results: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus were more frequent in males (69.6%) and in the age group between 6 and 10 years for both sexes. 60.8% of these fractures were treated with reduction and internal fixation with Kirchner wires. In the group with internal fixation, type IV predominated, also type I predominated in the group that did not require internal fixation. In general, excellent and good results predominated in patients with internal fixation.

Conclusions: Better results were obtained in patients who underwent reduction combined with internal fixation.