Mid-term results of pediatric vascular injured supracondylar humerus fractures and surgical approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe our experience with poorly perfused hands after supracondylar fracture of the humerus (SFH) in children and to present mid-term outcomes of a single trauma center. This is a retrospective analysis of SFH patients with vascular injuries, conducted from 2003 to 2012. Nine patients (2.1% of all SFH patients) underwent vascular reconstruction with no hand perfusion after adequate reduction and fixation at a mean age of 8.3 years (+/- 1.8, range 4-12 years). No amputation was needed, and satisfactory elbow and hand functions were obtained. Immediate close anatomic reduction and pinning with re-evaluation of hand perfusion is mandatory for SFH patients with suspected vascular injury before vascular exploration. (C) 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.