Operative treatment of supracondylar elbow fracture in a child using the percutaneous method

Abstract

Supracondylar fractures are the most common elbow injuries in children and are associated with prolonged morbidity due to possible complications that can lead to deformity. The decision on the treatment method is made based on Gartland's classification (I, II, III and IV types) and the treatment can be non-operative (I and II type) and operative (III and IV type). When it comes to the percutaneous method, the main dilemma for its implementation is related to pinning from the medial side of the elbow because there is a high possibility of injury to the n. ulnaris which, according to data from the literature, occurs in some 15% of cases. The aim of treatment is pain relief and maintenance of the patient's functional status. The case presented in this paper represents a patient with whom the clinician is most likely to encounter and shows the clinical assessment of the patient's condition, the way of deciding on the treatment method and the outcome of the treatment undertaken. Agirl, 8 years old, was injured when she fell while playing. At the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Clinical Hospital Center Kosovska Mitrovica, the patient was clinically and radiographically examined, and the injury was defined as a supracondylar fracture type III according to Gartland. After adequate preoperative preparation under general anesthesia, without the use of a drape - Turniquet, with the use of a C-bow, repositioning is performed and after obtaining a satisfactory position of the fragments, they are fixed percutaneously with 3 Kirschner needles, two medially and one laterally. The patient was discharged 3 days after admission with controls performed for 7 days. The Kirschner pins were removed on the 5th week after the operation and physical treatment was started, after which the movements of flexion and extension as well as pronation and supination were fully restored. Similar results are found in the literature. This information can be helpful in advising parents about what to expect after their child's injury. Also, they represent evidence of good clinical practice for orthopedic doctors and physiotherapists.