supracondylar fracture humerus in children

1. SUPRACONDYLARSUPRACONDYLAR
FRACTURES OFFRACTURES OF
HUMERUSHUMERUS
DR. HARDIK PAWARDR. HARDIK PAWAR
CARE HOSPITALCARE HOSPITAL

2. Distal Humerus AnatomyDistal Humerus Anatomy
 Medial epicondyleMedial epicondyle
proximal to trochleaproximal to trochlea ––
 Lateral epicondyleLateral epicondyle
proximal to capitellumproximal to capitellum
––
 Radial fossaRadial fossa ––
accommodates margin ofaccommodates margin of
radial head during flexionradial head during flexion
 Coronoid fossaCoronoid fossa ––
accepts coronoid process ofaccepts coronoid process of
ulna during flexionulna during flexion

5. DefinitonDefiniton
 AAlso called Malgaigne’slso called Malgaigne’s
fracturefracture
 FFracture line passes justracture line passes just
proximal to the bone masses ofproximal to the bone masses of
trochlea capitulum and oftentrochlea capitulum and often
runs through the apices ofruns through the apices of
coronoid and olecranon fossaecoronoid and olecranon fossae
or just above the fossae oror just above the fossae or
through metaphysis ofthrough metaphysis of
humerushumerus
 TThe fracture line is generallyhe fracture line is generally
transversetransverse in frontal planein frontal plane

6. Supracondylar Fractures of HumerusSupracondylar Fractures of Humerus
 It is # whichIt is # which involves the lower end of the humerusinvolves the lower end of the humerus usuallyusually
involving the thin portion of the humerus throughinvolving the thin portion of the humerus through
Olecranon fossa orOlecranon fossa or
Just above the fossa orJust above the fossa or
MetaphysisMetaphysis
 Most common elbow injuries in children.Most common elbow injuries in children.
 Makes up approximately 60% of elbow injuries.Makes up approximately 60% of elbow injuries.
 Becomes uncommon as the age increases.Becomes uncommon as the age increases.

7. General considerationsGeneral considerations
 Incidence of supracondylar #:Incidence of supracondylar #:
a) Agea) Age : peak age : 5-7 yrs: peak age : 5-7 yrs
Average age : 6.7 yrsAverage age : 6.7 yrs
b) Sexb) Sex : Boys > Girls (Earlier): Boys > Girls (Earlier)
Boys = Girls (Latest Trends)Boys = Girls (Latest Trends)
c) Sidec) Side : Left > Right: Left > Right
( Non dominant > dominant )( Non dominant > dominant )
d) Nerve injuriesd) Nerve injuries : 7% - Radial > median > Ulnar: 7% - Radial > median > Ulnar
e) Vascular injuriese) Vascular injuries : 1%: 1%
f) Open injuriesf) Open injuries : < 1%: < 1%

8. g) Cause of #g) Cause of #
Fall from height 70% ----- children > 3 yrsFall from height 70% ----- children > 3 yrs
Fall from bed children < 3 yrsFall from bed children < 3 yrs
Non accidental injury ( Child abuse) children rareNon accidental injury ( Child abuse) children rare
h) Associated #sh) Associated #s
Distal radius > Scaphoid > Proximal humerus >Distal radius > Scaphoid > Proximal humerus >
MonteggiaMonteggia
i) Clinical typesi) Clinical types
Extension type: 98%Extension type: 98%
posteromedial displacement 75%posteromedial displacement 75%
posterolateral displacement 25 %posterolateral displacement 25 %
Flexion type : 2%Flexion type : 2%

9. Mechanism of injuryMechanism of injury
 ForFor Extension typeExtension type ofof
SC # humerusSC # humerus
Fall on outstretched handFall on outstretched hand
ElbowElbow hyper extendedhyper extended
Fore arm –Fore arm – pronated orpronated or
supinatedsupinated

10. Mechanism of injuryMechanism of injury
 ForFor Flexion typeFlexion type
of SC # humerusof SC # humerus
Fall directly on theFall directly on the
elbowelbow rather thanrather than
out stretched handout stretched hand

11. Radiographic anatomy of distalRadiographic anatomy of distal
HumerusHumerus
 What are the radiographic views:What are the radiographic views:
Antero posteriorAntero posterior
LateralLateral
ObliqueOblique
Axial ( jones view )Axial ( jones view )

12.  What to look for inWhat to look for in
AP View-AP View----- Baumann`s angle---- Baumann`s angle
Humero ulnar angleHumero ulnar angle
Metaphysio diaphyseal angleMetaphysio diaphyseal angle

13. Radiographic AnatomyRadiographic Anatomy
 Baumann’s angleBaumann’s angle is formed by a lineis formed by a line
perpendicular to the axis of the humerus, and aperpendicular to the axis of the humerus, and a
lateral physeal linelateral physeal line
 There is a wide range of normal value, and itThere is a wide range of normal value, and it
can vary with rotation of the radiograph.can vary with rotation of the radiograph.
 The Baumann angleThe Baumann angle is good measurement ofis good measurement of
any deviation of distal humerus`s angulationany deviation of distal humerus`s angulation
 In this case, the medial impaction and varusIn this case, the medial impaction and varus
position alters the Bauman’s angle.position alters the Bauman’s angle.
 Normal avg 72 *Normal avg 72 *
 RANGE 64 – 81RANGE 64 – 81
 Compare with opposite sideCompare with opposite side

14. Lateral viewLateral view

15. Radiograph Anatomy/LandmarksRadiograph Anatomy/Landmarks
 Anterior HumeralAnterior Humeral
Line:Line:
This is drawn alongThis is drawn along
the anterior humeralthe anterior humeral
cortex.cortex.
It should passIt should pass
through the junctionthrough the junction
of anterior &of anterior &
middle 3middle 3rdrd
of theof the
capitellum.capitellum.

16. Radiograph Anatomy/LandmarksRadiograph Anatomy/Landmarks
 The capitellum isThe capitellum is
angulated anteriorlyangulated anteriorly
about 30 degrees.about 30 degrees.
 The appearance of theThe appearance of the
distal humerus is similardistal humerus is similar
to a hockey stick.to a hockey stick.
30

17. Radiograph Anatomy/LandmarksRadiograph Anatomy/Landmarks
 The physis of theThe physis of the
capitellum is usuallycapitellum is usually
wider posteriorly,wider posteriorly,
compared to thecompared to the
anterior portion ofanterior portion of
the physisthe physis
Wider

18. Anatomical classification of SC #Anatomical classification of SC #

19. Radiographic Classification of SC #sRadiographic Classification of SC #s
 Based on X- Ray appreance # displacementBased on X- Ray appreance # displacement GartlandGartland
described 3 types:described 3 types:
 Type – IType – I : Undisplaced: Undisplaced
 Type – IIType – II : Displaced (posterior cortex intact): Displaced (posterior cortex intact)
 Type –IIIType –III : Displaced ( no cortical contact): Displaced ( no cortical contact)
PosteromedialPosteromedial
PosterolateralPosterolateral

20. Type 1: Non-displacedType 1: Non-displaced
 Note the non-Note the non-
displaced fracturedisplaced fracture
(Red Arrow)(Red Arrow)
 Note the posterior fatNote the posterior fat
pad (Yellow Arrows)pad (Yellow Arrows)

21. Type 2: Angulated/Displaced FractureType 2: Angulated/Displaced Fracture
with Intact Posterior Cortexwith Intact Posterior Cortex

22. Type 3: Complete Displacement, withType 3: Complete Displacement, with
No Contact between FragmentsNo Contact between Fragments

23. PosteromediaPosteromediall Vs PosterolateralVs Posterolateral
 Biceps tendon insertion and axis of muscle pullBiceps tendon insertion and axis of muscle pull
lies medial to the shaft of the humeruslies medial to the shaft of the humerus
 During fall onto an outstretched supinatedDuring fall onto an outstretched supinated
forearm, the forces applied tend to disrupt theforearm, the forces applied tend to disrupt the
posteromedial periosteum first and displace theposteromedial periosteum first and displace the
fragment posterolaterally.fragment posterolaterally.
 Conversely, if a patient falls with the forearmConversely, if a patient falls with the forearm
pronated, the distal fragment tends to becomepronated, the distal fragment tends to become
displaced posteromediallydisplaced posteromedially..

24.  Medial displacement of theMedial displacement of the
distal fragment places thedistal fragment places the
radial nerve at riskradial nerve at risk
 LLateral displacement of theateral displacement of the
distal fragment places thedistal fragment places the
median nerve and brachialmedian nerve and brachial
artery at riskartery at risk..

25. Clinical signs & SymptomsClinical signs & Symptoms
 In most cases, children willIn most cases, children will not move the elbownot move the elbow if a fracture is present,if a fracture is present,
although this may not be the case for non-displaced fractures.although this may not be the case for non-displaced fractures.
 SwellingSwelling about elbow is aabout elbow is a constantconstant feature, develop within first few hrs.feature, develop within first few hrs.
 S shaped deformityS shaped deformity
 Distal humeral tendernessDistal humeral tenderness
 Anterior plucker sign +veAnterior plucker sign +ve

26. S-shaped configuration of ULS-shaped configuration of UL

27. Physical ExaminationPhysical Examination
 Neurologic exam is essential,Neurologic exam is essential, as nerve injuries are common. In mostas nerve injuries are common. In most
cases, full recovery can be expectedcases, full recovery can be expected
 Neuro-motor exam may be limited by the childs ability toNeuro-motor exam may be limited by the childs ability to
cooperate because of pain, or fear.cooperate because of pain, or fear.
 Finger , wrist ,Thumb extension– (radial nerve)Finger , wrist ,Thumb extension– (radial nerve)
 DIP joint of index and IP joint of thumb flexion – FPL andDIP joint of index and IP joint of thumb flexion – FPL and
FDP lat two (median – AIN branch)FDP lat two (median – AIN branch)
 Thenar strength – median nerveThenar strength – median nerve
 Interosseous - Adductors (ulnar)Interosseous - Adductors (ulnar)

28.  SENSATION :SENSATION :
 Radial - dorsal 1Radial - dorsal 1stst
web spaceweb space
 Median – palmar index fingerMedian – palmar index finger
 Ulnar - palmar little fingerUlnar - palmar little finger

29.  Nerve injury incidence is high, between 7 and 16 %Nerve injury incidence is high, between 7 and 16 %
(median, radial and ulnar nerve)(median, radial and ulnar nerve)
 Anterior interosseous nerve is most commonly injured nerveAnterior interosseous nerve is most commonly injured nerve
 In many cases, assessment of nerve integrity is limited , because childrenIn many cases, assessment of nerve integrity is limited , because children
can not always cooperate with the examcan not always cooperate with the exam
 Carefully document pre manipulation exam, as post manipulationCarefully document pre manipulation exam, as post manipulation
neurologic deficits can alter decision makingneurologic deficits can alter decision making
Physical ExaminationPhysical Examination

30.  Vascular injuriesVascular injuries are rare, but pulses should always beare rare, but pulses should always be
assessed before and after reduction - pulse , warmth ,assessed before and after reduction - pulse , warmth ,
capillary filling , color , tenderness of volar comparmentcapillary filling , color , tenderness of volar comparment
 Painful passive finger extension – indiacates tensePainful passive finger extension – indiacates tense
compartmentcompartment
 In the absence of a radial and/or ulnar pulse,In the absence of a radial and/or ulnar pulse,
the fingers may still be well-perfused, because of thethe fingers may still be well-perfused, because of the
excellent collateral circulation around the elbowexcellent collateral circulation around the elbow
 Doppler device can be used for assessmentDoppler device can be used for assessment
Physical ExaminationPhysical Examination

31. Physical ExaminationPhysical Examination
 Thorough documentation of all findings is important. AThorough documentation of all findings is important. A
simple record of “neurovascular status is intact” issimple record of “neurovascular status is intact” is
unacceptable.unacceptable.
 Individual assessment and recording of motor, sensory, andIndividual assessment and recording of motor, sensory, and
vascular function is essentialvascular function is essential
 Always palpate the arm and forearm forAlways palpate the arm and forearm for signs of compartmentsigns of compartment
syndrome.syndrome.

32. RadiogRaphicRadiogRaphic
evaluationevaluation

33. AP view X-RaysAP view X-Rays
 Baumann’s angleBaumann’s angle
 Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal angleMetaphyseal-Diaphyseal angle
 Humero-Ulnar angleHumero-Ulnar angle

34. Baumann’s angle:Baumann’s angle:
64o
to 81oAv. 72o

35. Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal angleMetaphyseal-Diaphyseal angle

36. Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal angleMetaphyseal-Diaphyseal angle

37. Humero-Ulnar angleHumero-Ulnar angle

38. Lateral view X-RaysLateral view X-Rays
Tear dropTear drop
signsign

39. AAnterior humeral linenterior humeral line

40. haft-condylar anglehaft-condylar angle
40o -45o

41. FFat padat pad
signsign

42. FFish tail signish tail sign

43. Crescent signCrescent sign

44. Coronoid lineCoronoid line

45. ManagementManagement
 All suspected cases should be splinted in around 20-30All suspected cases should be splinted in around 20-30
deg at elbow before sending for xraydeg at elbow before sending for xray
 Careful physical examination & X-ray evaluationCareful physical examination & X-ray evaluation
 Neurologic evaluationNeurologic evaluation
 Vascular assessmentVascular assessment
Peripheral pulse- radial arteryPeripheral pulse- radial artery
Capillary fillingCapillary filling
Doppler testDoppler test
Evaluate for ipsilat injuries- anywhere from wrist toEvaluate for ipsilat injuries- anywhere from wrist to
sternoclavicular jt.sternoclavicular jt.

46.  Tight bandaging/ excessive flexion or excessiveTight bandaging/ excessive flexion or excessive
extension should be avoidedextension should be avoided
 Associated life threatening complicationsAssociated life threatening complications
( if any) to be attended first.( if any) to be attended first.

47.  Inherent stability due to intact periosteumInherent stability due to intact periosteum
 Simple posterior long arm splint for 3-7days.Simple posterior long arm splint for 3-7days.
 Elbow 60-90Elbow 60-90oo
flexion & Forearm neutral position.flexion & Forearm neutral position.
 Check X-ray after 3-7 days to document any displacementCheck X-ray after 3-7 days to document any displacement
or lack of it.or lack of it.
 Splint converted to long arm cast if no displacement, amdSplint converted to long arm cast if no displacement, amd
no swellingno swelling
 If displacement noticed # reduction done & cast applied orIf displacement noticed # reduction done & cast applied or
pinning done.pinning done.
Treatment of type – I #Treatment of type – I #

49.  Duration of immobilisation 3-4wks.Duration of immobilisation 3-4wks.
 No need for any physiotheraphy ( Generally )No need for any physiotheraphy ( Generally )
 Outcome:Outcome: Predictablly excellent if alignment isPredictablly excellent if alignment is
maintained during early healing.maintained during early healing.
Hence type – I #s requires carefulHence type – I #s requires careful
treatment &treatment &
follow up.follow up.

50. Treatment of type – II #Treatment of type – II #
 Good stability should be obtained after closed reduction.Good stability should be obtained after closed reduction.
 Once satisfactory reduction achieved further management isOnce satisfactory reduction achieved further management is
same as type – I.same as type – I.
 If medial column collapse present then skeletal stabilisationIf medial column collapse present then skeletal stabilisation
with 2 lateral pins is advocated.with 2 lateral pins is advocated.
 Recent trends -Recent trends - SELECTIVE PINNINGSELECTIVE PINNING for type – II #sfor type – II #s

51. SELECTIVE PINNINGSELECTIVE PINNING
Closed reduction is doneClosed reduction is done
Splinting in flexionSplinting in flexion
Non movable cuff & collar slingNon movable cuff & collar sling
Early careful X-ray follow upEarly careful X-ray follow up
If # displacement /angulation noticedIf # displacement /angulation noticed
pin stabilisation is done .pin stabilisation is done .

52. Treatment of type – III #Treatment of type – III #
 UnstableUnstable
 Periosteum tornPeriosteum torn
 No cortical contact between fragmentsNo cortical contact between fragments
 Associated with significant soft tissueAssociated with significant soft tissue
injury/vascular / neuroinjury/vascular / neuro
 Treatment options:Treatment options:
ReductionReduction either closed or openeither closed or open
StabilisationStabilisation either with pins or casteither with pins or cast
traction management.traction management.

53. Technique of reduction (closed)Technique of reduction (closed)
 Traction – to restore length & alignment.Traction – to restore length & alignment.
 Milking maneuver -- if length & alignmentMilking maneuver -- if length & alignment
not restored by tractionnot restored by traction
 Correction of medial/ lateral displacements.Correction of medial/ lateral displacements.
 Correction of rotational deformities.Correction of rotational deformities.
 Correction of posterior displacement by --Correction of posterior displacement by --
flexion reduction maneuverflexion reduction maneuver
 Elbow held in hyper flexion.Elbow held in hyper flexion.
 Fore arm held in pronation – if distal fragment isFore arm held in pronation – if distal fragment is
postero medially displaced,postero medially displaced,
 Fore arm held in supination -- if distal fragment isFore arm held in supination -- if distal fragment is
postero laterally displaced.postero laterally displaced.

55. SKELETALSKELETAL
STABILIZATIONSTABILIZATION

56.  ANATOMIC OR NEAR ANATOMICANATOMIC OR NEAR ANATOMIC
REDUCTION IS A PREREQUISITE FORREDUCTION IS A PREREQUISITE FOR
SKELETAL STABILISATIONSKELETAL STABILISATION

57. Skeletal stabilization after reductionSkeletal stabilization after reduction
 Skeletal stabilization after reduction is done eitherSkeletal stabilization after reduction is done either
withwith pins or castpins or cast
 Now a days skeletal stabilization by casing is not doneNow a days skeletal stabilization by casing is not done
as reduction maintenance is not achieved .as reduction maintenance is not achieved .
 Generally skeletal stabilization is achieved by means ofGenerally skeletal stabilization is achieved by means of
passing pins across the fracture site .passing pins across the fracture site .

58. SetupSetup
 The monitorThe monitor
should beshould be
positioned acrosspositioned across
from the OR table,from the OR table,
to allow easyto allow easy
visualization of thevisualization of the
monitor during themonitor during the
reduction andreduction and
pinningpinning

59.  The C-ArmThe C-Arm
fluoroscopy unit can befluoroscopy unit can be
inverted, using the baseinverted, using the base
as a table for the elbowas a table for the elbow
joint.joint.
 The child should beThe child should be
positioned close to thepositioned close to the
edge of the table, toedge of the table, to
allow the elbow to beallow the elbow to be
visualized by the c-arm.visualized by the c-arm.
 Mobilize the imageMobilize the image
intensifier but notintensifier but not
elbowelbow

60. Pin fixationPin fixation
 Options :Options :
2 lateral pins - divergent or parallel2 lateral pins - divergent or parallel
2 crossed pins2 crossed pins
3 lateral pins3 lateral pins
2 lateral and 1 medial pins2 lateral and 1 medial pins

61. Pin FixationPin Fixation
 2 lateral pins2 lateral pins - first pin through capitulum- first pin through capitulum
 Check in c – armCheck in c – arm
 If necessary 3If necessary 3rdrd
pin either laterally or medially .pin either laterally or medially .
 The medial pin can injury the ulnar nerve.The medial pin can injury the ulnar nerve.
 Smooth pins are preferredSmooth pins are preferred
 Some advocate usage of aSome advocate usage of a small incission of sizesmall incission of size 1.5 cm1.5 cm
over the medial epicondyleover the medial epicondyle and dissection is performed upand dissection is performed up
to the level of the medial epicondyle and the ulnar nerveto the level of the medial epicondyle and the ulnar nerve
identified and protected and the medial pin appliedidentified and protected and the medial pin applied

62.  Medial pin placement :Medial pin placement :
this pin is placed directly throughthis pin is placed directly through
the medial epicondyle , using thethe medial epicondyle , using the
opposite thumb to pull the softopposite thumb to pull the soft
tissues posteriorly, thustissues posteriorly, thus
protecting theprotecting the ULNARULNAR
NERVE .NERVE .
 The pin is directed fromThe pin is directed from
posteromedial to anterolateralposteromedial to anterolateral
(10(10oo
posterior & 40posterior & 40oo
with shaft)with shaft)
under c arm imaging with theunder c arm imaging with the
upper extremity fullyupper extremity fully
EXTERNALLLY ROTATEDEXTERNALLLY ROTATED

63.  If 2 lateral pins are used, they should beIf 2 lateral pins are used, they should be
1 ) widely spaced at the fracture site.1 ) widely spaced at the fracture site.
2 ) engaging the medial and lat columns proximal to fracture site2 ) engaging the medial and lat columns proximal to fracture site
3) engaging suffiecient bone in both prox. And distal fragment3) engaging suffiecient bone in both prox. And distal fragment
4) 34) 3rdrd
pin if fracture is unstable after 2 pinspin if fracture is unstable after 2 pins
STABILITYSTABILITY
 3 lateral divergent pins = crossed pins > 2 lateral3 lateral divergent pins = crossed pins > 2 lateral
divergent pin > 2 lateral paralleldivergent pin > 2 lateral parallel
 If the lateral pins areIf the lateral pins are placed close togetherplaced close together at the fractureat the fracture site,site,
Chances of rotationChances of rotation and further displacement.and further displacement. are moreare more

66.  BIOMECHANICAL STUDIESBIOMECHANICAL STUDIES HAVEHAVE
PROVED :PROVED :
DIVERGENT PINDIVERGENT PIN CONFIGURATIONCONFIGURATION
IS FARIS FAR
SUPERIOR CONSTRUCT WHENSUPERIOR CONSTRUCT WHEN
COMPARED TOCOMPARED TO
THETHE PARALLEL PINPARALLEL PIN
CONFIGURATIONCONFIGURATION..

67.  If pin fixation is used, the pins areIf pin fixation is used, the pins are
usually bent and cut outside the skin.usually bent and cut outside the skin.
 The skin is protected from the pinsThe skin is protected from the pins
by placing pad around the pins.by placing pad around the pins.
 The arm is immobilized.The arm is immobilized.
 Pins can easily be removedPins can easily be removed
3 - 4 weeks later.3 - 4 weeks later.
 If adequate callus formation isIf adequate callus formation is
present, gentle range of motionpresent, gentle range of motion
exercises are initiated.exercises are initiated.
 In most cases, full recovery ofIn most cases, full recovery of
motion can be expected.motion can be expected.

68. Lateral Pin PlacementLateral Pin Placement
 AP and Lateral views with 2 pinsAP and Lateral views with 2 pins

69. Contraindication forContraindication for
percutaneous pinningpercutaneous pinning
 Severe swellingSevere swelling
 Open fractureOpen fracture
 Irreducible fractureIrreducible fracture
 Late diagnosisLate diagnosis

70. Indications for open reductionIndications for open reduction
 Open reduction is indicated to obtain alignment ifOpen reduction is indicated to obtain alignment if
closed reduction is unsuccessful as with the following,closed reduction is unsuccessful as with the following,
 1 or 2 attempts of CR - failed1 or 2 attempts of CR - failed
 Button holingButton holing of the proximal fragment throughof the proximal fragment through
the anterior soft tissues ,the anterior soft tissues ,
 Interposition of the biceps ,Interposition of the biceps ,
 Interposition of the neurovascular structures .Interposition of the neurovascular structures .
An open reduction is also indicated if there is anAn open reduction is also indicated if there is an openopen
fracture ,fracture ,that requires irrigation and debridement .that requires irrigation and debridement .

71. ORIFORIF
 AApproachespproaches -- anterior, medial, lateral andanterior, medial, lateral and
posterior approach.posterior approach.
 MMedial and Lateral approach is usuallyedial and Lateral approach is usually
done from the side in which periostealdone from the side in which periosteal
hinge is torn.hinge is torn.
 In patients with brachial arteryIn patients with brachial artery
compromise, an anteromedial approachcompromise, an anteromedial approach isis
recommendedrecommended, and in patients with radial, and in patients with radial
nerve palsy, lateral and medialnerve palsy, lateral and medial
approaches are recommended.approaches are recommended.
 AAnterior apporach is preferred to posteriornterior apporach is preferred to posterior
approach because posterior approach isapproach because posterior approach is
said to lead to stiffness of elbow joint.said to lead to stiffness of elbow joint.

72. ORIF....ORIF....
 If open reduction and internal fixationIf open reduction and internal fixation
are to be done, they should beare to be done, they should be
performed emergently (<8 hours) orperformed emergently (<8 hours) or
urgently (≤24 hours) or after theurgently (≤24 hours) or after the
swelling has decreased, but not laterswelling has decreased, but not later
than 5 days after injury because thethan 5 days after injury because the
possibility of myositis ossificanspossibility of myositis ossificans
apparently increases after that timeapparently increases after that time..

73. Advantages of ORIFAdvantages of ORIF
 DDirect reductionirect reduction
 LLarge hematomas can be evacuatedarge hematomas can be evacuated
 NNecessity in irreducible fractureecessity in irreducible fracture
 The incidence of neurovascularThe incidence of neurovascular
ccomplications from the procedure is less.omplications from the procedure is less.

74. Complications of ORComplications of OR
 EarlyEarly
Neurovacular injuryNeurovacular injury
Compartment syndromeCompartment syndrome
InfectionInfection
 LateLate
Stiff elbowStiff elbow
Myosistis ossificansMyosistis ossificans
Mal unionMal union
Non unionNon union

75. Traction ManagementTraction Management
 IIt consists of skin and skeletal traction andt consists of skin and skeletal traction and
is of historical importanceis of historical importance
 due todue to currentcurrent availability of better andavailability of better and
effective treatment methods.effective treatment methods.
 MMethods of traction:ethods of traction:
 SSide arm skin traction (Dunlop traction)ide arm skin traction (Dunlop traction)
 OOverheadverhead SSkeletal tractionkeletal traction

76. Traction management...Traction management...
IIndications of traction managementndications of traction management
 AAn unstable comminuted fracturen unstable comminuted fracture
 SSupracondylar comminution or medialupracondylar comminution or medial
column comminution that is not suitablecolumn comminution that is not suitable
for pinning and would certainly collapsefor pinning and would certainly collapse
with simple casting after reductionwith simple casting after reduction..

77. Traction management....Traction management....
 Traction can be used to manage type IIITraction can be used to manage type III
supracondylar fractures by allowingsupracondylar fractures by allowing
swelling to decreaseswelling to decrease..
 Skeletal traction is superior to sidearmSkeletal traction is superior to sidearm
skskinin traction cause it has less incidencestraction cause it has less incidences
of varus deformityof varus deformity..

78. Overhead skeletal tractionOverhead skeletal traction
 OverheadOverhead skeletalskeletal
tractiontraction is appliedis applied
with the help ofwith the help of
olecranon wing nutolecranon wing nut
Olecranon wing
nut

79. Overhead skeletal tractionOverhead skeletal traction
 The wing nutThe wing nut
offers theoffers the
advantage ofadvantage of
applying a torqueapplying a torque
on the distalon the distal
humeral fragmenthumeral fragment
by changing theby changing the
traction rope'straction rope's
position into theposition into the
holes in the wingholes in the wing

80. Technique of Overhead skeletalTechnique of Overhead skeletal
tractiontraction
 AA hole is made through both cortices just distal to thehole is made through both cortices just distal to the
coronoid process. A wing nut is then placed through thecoronoid process. A wing nut is then placed through the
small incision. The wing nut engages the oppositesmall incision. The wing nut engages the opposite
cortex but does not penetrate it.cortex but does not penetrate it.
 A sling is used to support the hand and forearm.A sling is used to support the hand and forearm.
 TTraction of about 5 pounds is applied, depending onraction of about 5 pounds is applied, depending on
the patient's size.the patient's size.
 The shoulder should be lifted just off the bed.The shoulder should be lifted just off the bed.
 AP and lateraAP and laterall rays should be taken in traction to judgerays should be taken in traction to judge
the adequacy of reduction.the adequacy of reduction.
 After there is good callus formationAfter there is good callus formation,, the patient isthe patient is
removed from traction and placed in a long arm cast,removed from traction and placed in a long arm cast,
which is worn for about 2 weeks.which is worn for about 2 weeks.

81. Overhead skeletal tractionOverhead skeletal traction

82. Side arm skeletal tractionSide arm skeletal traction
 The arm is abductedThe arm is abducted
at shoulder andat shoulder and
traction of 1.5 kg istraction of 1.5 kg is
applied with theapplied with the
elbow at 60elbow at 60oo
flexion.flexion.
CCounter-traction of 1ounter-traction of 1
kg is applied abovekg is applied above
the elbow.the elbow.

83. Supracondylar Humerus Fractures-Supracondylar Humerus Fractures-
Flexion typeFlexion type
 Rare, only 2%Rare, only 2%
 Distal fracture fragmentDistal fracture fragment
anterior,flexedanterior,flexed
 Ulnar nerve injury -higherUlnar nerve injury -higher
incidenceincidence
 Reduce with extensionReduce with extension

84. TreaTmenTTreaTmenT

85.  TType I flexion-type supracondylarype I flexion-type supracondylar
fractures are stable nondisplacedfractures are stable nondisplaced
fractures that can simply be protected infractures that can simply be protected in
a long-arm casta long-arm cast

86.  Type IIType II requires some reduction inrequires some reduction in
extension, the arm can be immobilizedextension, the arm can be immobilized
with the elbow fully extended.with the elbow fully extended.

87. Sultanpur technique of closedSultanpur technique of closed
reductionreduction
 DDescribed by Sultanpur of Baharainescribed by Sultanpur of Baharain
 Two stages of casting:Two stages of casting:
 First cast is put until distal end of proximalFirst cast is put until distal end of proximal
fragement and is allowed to setfragement and is allowed to set
 Forearm in supinationForearm in supination
 NNext the distal fragement is pushed backext the distal fragement is pushed back
against this castagainst this cast
 CCast is then completed with elbow in flexion.ast is then completed with elbow in flexion.

88.  Pinning is generally required for unstablePinning is generally required for unstable
type II and III flexion supracondylartype II and III flexion supracondylar
fractures.fractures.
 Pinning should be performed after closedPinning should be performed after closed
reduction with the elbow in mild flexionreduction with the elbow in mild flexion
(usually at 30 degrees )(usually at 30 degrees ) or full extensionor full extension,,
holding the elbow in reduced positionholding the elbow in reduced position

89.  After pinning a flexion-type supracondylarAfter pinning a flexion-type supracondylar
fracture, the arm should be placed in afracture, the arm should be placed in a
bivalved cast.bivalved cast.
 If the fracture is held in anatomic positionIf the fracture is held in anatomic position
with pins, a flexed-arm cast can be usedwith pins, a flexed-arm cast can be used
to provide better patient comfort, but ato provide better patient comfort, but a
cast with the elbow in almost full extensioncast with the elbow in almost full extension
is acceptableis acceptable..

90. Technique of close reduction andTechnique of close reduction and
percutaneous pinningpercutaneous pinning

92.  Open reduction -Open reduction - if anatomic closeif anatomic close
reduction can not be obtained.reduction can not be obtained.
 Anteromedial or Posterior approach,Anteromedial or Posterior approach,
rather than an anterior approach.rather than an anterior approach.
 To ensure that the ulnar nerve is notTo ensure that the ulnar nerve is not
entrapped in the fracture site, exploringentrapped in the fracture site, exploring
the ulnar nerve or at least identification isthe ulnar nerve or at least identification is
probably advisableprobably advisable..

93.  Traction:Traction:
 RRarely usedarely used
 SSide arm traction better than overheadide arm traction better than overhead
tractiontraction

94. ComplicationsComplications
 Immediate :Immediate :
a) neurologicala) neurological
b) vascularb) vascular
 Early :Early :
a) compartment syndromea) compartment syndrome
b) volkmann`s ischemiab) volkmann`s ischemia
 Late :Late :
a) mal union : cubitus varus / cubitus valgusa) mal union : cubitus varus / cubitus valgus
b) volkmann`s ischemic contractureb) volkmann`s ischemic contracture
c) myositis ossificansc) myositis ossificans
d) elbow stiffnessd) elbow stiffness

98. ReferencesReferences
 Campbell operative orthopaedics, 11thCampbell operative orthopaedics, 11th
editionedition
 Rockwood and wilkin’s fractures inRockwood and wilkin’s fractures in
children, 6th editionchildren, 6th edition
 Text book of Orthopaedics,Text book of Orthopaedics, JJohnohn
EbnezarEbnezar
 Mc Rae’s Practical fractures andMc Rae’s Practical fractures and
treatmenttreatment

99. THANK YOUTHANK YOU