Deformity and function in supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children variously treated by closed reduction and splinting, traction, and percutaneous pinning.

Abstract

The radiographs of 137 patients with supracondylar fractures of the humerus treated by closed reduction and splinting, traction, and closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) were reviewed to determine the adequacy of the initial reduction and the maintenance of the reduction. Eighty-four patients were examined for function and deformity. Initially, Baumann's angle was adequate and similar in all patients, but the humerocapitellar angle was better with CRPP. Maintenance of reduction in both planes was superior with CRPP, and significantly better clinical results were achieved by CRPP. Nevertheless, there was no functional loss in any patient, and no parent wanted correction of deformity.