Common Errors in the Management of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures and Lateral Condyle Fractures.

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Abstract

[Indexed for MEDLINE] 10. Cureus. 2025 May 12;17(5):e83967. doi: 10.7759/cureus.83967. eCollection 2025 May. Outcomes of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture Fixation in a District Hospital in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study. Aldhilan MM(1), Tella AO(2). Author information: (1)Orthopedic Surgery, Al Rass General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Al Rass, SAU. (2)Orthopedics, Samtah General Hospital, Jazan, SAU. Background Supracondylar humerus fractures are among the most common pediatric fractures, and treatment can be challenging. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is the recommended treatment for displaced fractures. This study aimed to review the management of supracondylar humerus fractures at a district general hospital and to document our experience. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of pediatric patients who underwent surgical treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures treated over a 30-month period. Data collected included demographics, mechanism of injury, fracture type, modified Gartland classification, surgical management, clinical outcomes, and complications. Results A total of 36 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 5.2 ± 2.6 years (range 1-12 years), with a male-to-female ratio of 1.6:1. Extension-type injuries were observed in 35 patients (97.2%) and flexion-type in one patient (2.8%). According to the modified Gartland classification, extension-type fractures were distributed as follows: type II (34.3%), type III (60%), and type IV (5.7%). Most patients (91.7%) were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. The overall complication rate was 11.2%, with superficial surgical site infection being the most common (5.6%). One patient (2.8%) developed postoperative ulnar nerve palsy, attributed to medial pin placement. Based on Flynn's criteria, all patients achieved satisfactory outcomes at the final follow-up. Conclusion Our findings are consistent with those reported in the literature. Despite limited resources, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning remain the gold standard for managing displaced supracondylar humerus fractures, yielding satisfactory clinical outcomes and an acceptable complication profile. Copyright © 2025, Aldhilan et al. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.83967 PMCID: PMC12159274