Izvorni znanstveni članak
Treatment of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children: Minimal Possible Duration of Immobilization
Š. Vučkov
A. Kvesić
Z. Rebac
D. Cuculić
F. Lovasić
N. Bukvić
Sažetak
In the period from January 1980 until December 1990 we treated 147 children and
adolescents with supracondylar humerus fracture, and followed the outcome in 127 of
them. Three (2.4%) patients had no displacement of fractured bones and were treated
only with plaster cast immobilization. Twenty three (18.1%) underwent closed reduction
of fragments and application of a plaster cast. The majority (97; 76.4%) required manual
reduction and the fixation of segments with Kirschner's wires laterally and medially.
Four (3.1%) patients were treated with open reduction and fixation with
Kirschner's wires. Both plaster cast immobilization and fragment fixation with
Kirschner's wires lasted only 14 days and were immediately followed by rehabilitation.
Such a short immobilization of extremities or fixation of fragments did not result in any
complication. Of 56 children available for long-term follow-up, we achieved excellent
treatment results in 43 (76.6%) of the patients, good and fair in 12 (21.5%), and a poor
result in only 1 patient (1.8%). There were no permanent vascular or neurological complications
apart from slight weakness of the ulnar nerve in 3 patients. In conclusion 14
days seemed to be the biological minimum of time needed for this type of fracture to heal
in children and adolescents. Fixation of the fragments with Kirschner's wires and immobilization
of the extremity for only 14 days brings a significant reduction of total
treatment expenses, avoids repeated x-ray examination, facilitates early physical therapy
and returns the child to its family.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
28333
URI
Datum izdavanja:
18.6.2001.
Posjeta: 1.725 *