Treatment of Pediatric Open Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: Case Report

Tabet A. Al-Sadek; Desislav Niklev; Ahmed Al-Sadek

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2016.133

Authors

Tabet A. Al-Sadek Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Belhoul European Hospital, Dubai
Desislav Niklev Orthoapedic and Trauma Clinic, University Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment and Emergency Medicine â€˜N. Pirogovâ€™, Sofia
Ahmed Al-Sadek Medical University, Sofia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2016.133

Keywords:

Humerus, Open Supracondylar Fractures, Radiography

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Open supracondylar fractures of the humerus are rare in children, and the treatment strategy for these fractures is yet to be standardised.

AIM: We present the case of a 7-year-old boy with open supracondylar humerus fracture that was managed with an external wrist fixator.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 7-year-boy was brought to our department with pain in the right arm after a fall from a height about 3 hours before admission. On examination, the elbow was found to be markedly swollen with restriction of movement of the right arm. A 4-cm-wide wound was also observed on the flexural aspect of the elbow, indicating severe contamination of the fractured site. Neurological examination revealed restriction of hand movement and decreased sensations, which suggested the possibility of nerve injuries.

CONCLUSION: A good clinical outcome was achieved in this case, without the development of any complications over a 6-month follow-up period.

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References

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The Schanz pin used in external elbow fixators is large and can cause inadvertent iatrogenic fractures in children.

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One of the risks associated with the use of the external wrist fixator is pin-tract infection, which can be managed well with Betadine or povidone-iodine.