9 years’ follow-up of 168 pin-fixed supracondylar humerus fractures in children

Abstract

Background and purpose — The long-term outcome of pin-fixed supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHF) in children is not well known. We assessed the 7- to 12-year outcome in 168 children. Patients and methods — During 2002–2006, 210 domestic children (age 7 (1–14) years) with SCHF (Gartland III 79%, Gartland II 19%, and flexion type 2%) were pin fixed in Helsinki. 36 (17%) patients had a nerve palsy. Radiographic alignment was regarded as satisfactory in 81% of patients (Baumann angle (BA) within ±10˚ of normal range and whose anterior humeral line (AHL) crossed the capitulum). After a mean follow-up of 9 (7–12) years, 168 (80%) patients answered a questionnaire regarding elbow appearance (scale 0–10), function (scale 0–10), and pain (scale 0–10), and symmetry of range of motion (ROM) and carrying angle (CA). 65 (31%) patients also attended a clinical follow-up examination. Results — Mean subjective score for appearance was 8.7 (2–10) and for function 9.0 (2–10) (n = 168). Elbow ROM asymmetry was experienced by 28% and elbow CA asymmetry by 17% of the patients. Elbow pain was reported by 14%, and was more common in children with nerve injuries. Long-term outcome was good or excellent in 60/65 and CA in 56/65 of the follow-up visit patients using Flynn’s criteria. BA exceeding normal values by 10˚ was associated with lower subjective outcome; AHL crossing point with the capitulum was not associated with outcome. Interpretation — Long-term subjective outcome is satisfactory with few exceptions if elbow ROM and CA are restored within 10° of the uninjured elbow. Radiographs at fracture union have little prognostic value. Nerve injuries can cause long-term pain.