Radiographic Outcome in Supracondylar Humeral Fractures Gartland Type III

Abstract

Objective This study evaluated Gartland Type 3 supracondylar humeral fracture features before and 3 months after surgical closed reduction.

Material and method Retrospective and observational medical records on 294 cases. We recorded age, gender, lesion mechanism, diagnosis, and classification according to the Gartland and Wilkins system. Radiological characteristics before and 3 months after surgery (Baumann angle, condyle-humeral angle, and rotation) were analyzed with t-Student and chi-square tests.

Results We identified 86 distal humerus fractures, including 75.8% supracondylar humeral fractures. The average age was 5.2 ± 2.8 years old (range, 1 to 14). Per the Garland classification, 45.3% of the fractures were type IIIB and 48.4% were type IIIA. According to Flynn's criteria, 98% had good or excellent outcomes. Postoperative complementary Baumann average angle was 12.8 ± 4.18° (t-Student: -1.94, p: 0.05), and the average condyle humeral angle was 46.9 ± 10.45 (t-Student: 10.68, p <0.001). Postoperative rotation persisted in six cases (chi-square <0.0001, p <0.001).

Discussion Our results are consistent with the international literature. We attributed the lower rate of neurologic lesions in comparison to other papers to lateral stabilization.

Conclusions Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures Gartland type III resulted in satisfactory outcomes.

Level of Evidence: IV

Keywords

supracondylar humeral fracture - treatment - closed reduction

Publication History

Received: 25 August 2021

Accepted: 27 November 2023

Article published online:
26 December 2023

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