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Mid-America Orthopaedic Association Physician in Training Award: Surgical Technique: Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: A Technique to Aid Closed Reduction

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Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®

Abstract

Background

Anatomic reduction of some displaced pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures is not attainable via closed manipulation, thus necessitating open reduction. Open reduction has been associated with increased complications, including elbow stiffness, scarring, iatrogenic neurovascular injury, and longer hospital stays. Using a Schanz pin to aid in closed reduction may decrease the need for conversion to an open procedure, possibly reducing morbidity.

Description of Technique

A percutaneously placed 2.5-mm Schanz pin was drilled into the posterior humeral diaphysis and used as a joystick to reduce anterior and posterior, varus and valgus, and rotational deformity. The fracture then was stabilized with 0.62-mm K-wires placed under fluoroscopy and the Schanz pin then was removed.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all displaced pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures treated by one surgeon from March 2002 through December 2010, with 143 fractures meeting criteria for inclusion. These fractures then were divided into two groups. Group 1 (90 fractures) included fractures treated before implantation of the Schanz pin. In this group, if successful reduction could not be achieved via closed manipulations, a formal open reduction was performed. In Group 2, (53 fractures) the Schanz pin technique was used to assist with reduction of fractures that were not reduced successfully by closed manipulations. All fractures were stabilized with the 0.62-mm K-wires after the reductions. To equalize group size, the 37 most remote fractures in Group 1 were removed, leaving a final 53 fractures in each group for analysis. Demographics, injury data, operative technique, complications, and radiographic reduction were analyzed. The minimum followup for both groups was 3.3 weeks (average, 13 weeks; range, 3.3–130 weeks).

Results

Fewer fractures in Group 2 (one of 53, 1.9%) compared with Group 1 (seven of 53, 13%) underwent open reduction. Ten fractures in Group 2 underwent the Schanz pin technique, and none of these had open reductions. We found no difference between the groups concerning fracture alignment at final followup or postoperative complications.

Conclusions

A posteriorly placed Schanz pin aids in anatomic reduction and decreases the need for open treatment of displaced pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures, without compromising the complication rate or final radiographic outcome.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective comparative study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University Orthopaedic Surgery, Grand Rapids, MI, USA

    Mary A. Herzog MD & Shelley M. Oliver MD

  2. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan, Michigan State University, 230 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA

    James R. Ringler MD, Clifford B. Jones MD, FACS & Debra L. Sietsema PhD

Authors
  1. Mary A. Herzog MD
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  2. Shelley M. Oliver MD
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  3. James R. Ringler MD
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  4. Clifford B. Jones MD, FACS
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  5. Debra L. Sietsema PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to James R. Ringler MD.

Additional information

Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.

All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research neither advocates nor endorses the use of any treatment, drug, or device. Readers are encouraged to always seek additional information, including FDA-approval status, of any drug or device prior to clinical use.

Each author certifies that his or her institution approved the human protocol for this investigation, that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent for participation in the study was obtained.

This work was performed at Spectrum Health/Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.

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Herzog, M.A., Oliver, S.M., Ringler, J.R. et al. Mid-America Orthopaedic Association Physician in Training Award: Surgical Technique: Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: A Technique to Aid Closed Reduction. Clin Orthop Relat Res 471, 1419–1426 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-012-2764-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-012-2764-y

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