Application of ultrasound in the closed reduction and percutaneous pinning in supracondylar humeral fractures

Abstract

Abstract Background Ultrasound examination can be applied to the diagnosis of pediatric elbow fracture. This study aims to analyze the application value of ultrasound in the surgical treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures. Methods 64 children with supracondylar humeral fractures were treated with ultrasound-guided closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP), 31 patients were treated with CRPP under radiography guidence. The reduction effect of supracondylar humeral fractures was determined through the perioperative ultrasound images of the lateral, medial and posterior aspects of the elbow. Percutaneous pinning was performed after supracondylar humeral fractures were well reduced. A follow-up examination was performed and all the patients were evaluated according to Flynn’s criteria. Results The mean duration of surgery was 58.3 min (42–108 min) in the ultrasound group and 41.5 min (24-63 min) in the radiography group (P 0.05). After surgery, three patients had pin tract infection. One patient had ulnar nerve neurapraxia in the radiography group. No cases with Volkmann’s contracture were reported. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided CRPP is a safe and reliable surgical treatment of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.

Keywords

• Supracondylar humeral fractures
• Ultrasound
• Closed reduction
• Percutaneous pinning