TREATMENT OF FRACTURES OF THE DISTAL END OF THE HUMERUS IN CHILDREN USING ТHE METHOD OF PERCUTANEOUS OSTEOSYNTHESIS - OUR FINDINGS

Abstract

Introduction: Fractures of the distal end (capitulum and trochlea) of the humerus are more common in children than adults. The mechanism of injury demonstrates that the fracture occurs when falling on an outstretched arm, where the protective mechanisms cannot prevent the transfer of energy to the bone, leading to breaking the continuity of the bone, i.e. fracture. Our paper aims to present our experience in percutaneous osteosynthesis of the distal end of the humerus, where we have excellent functional results and 100% healing of the fracture.Methods: Percutaneous osteosynthesis has been applied to 17 patients. The patients were divided into groups depending on the type of fracture, namely: one group of patients with supracondylar and another group of patients with a condylar fracture of the distal end of the humerus. Results: It has been proven that percutaneous osteosynthesis of the distal end of the child’s humerus led to fracture union in 100% of cases, which is a consequence of the marked stability of the osteosynthetic material. Functional results obtained after 5-6 weeks of rehabilitation are excellent in 99% of cases, except for one patient with a supracondylar fracture where we have a delay of flexion movement by -10 degrees. It should be noted that we had only one complication with a single patient suffering from a dislocation of bone fragments.Conclusion: If it is possible to perform this method, percutaneous osteosynthesis is the preferred method in treating fractures of the distal end of the humerus among the paediatric population.