Accuracy of Closed Reduction of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures Is Training in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Necessary?

BACKGROUND

Supracondylar humerus fractures account for two thirds of all hospitalizations for elbow injuries in children. A prevailing assumption exists regarding whether treatment quality varies by surgeon training background. This study compares radiographic outcomes of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures treated by fellowship trained pediatric orthopedists (PO) and non-pediatric orthopedists (adult traumatologists, AT) with regard specifically to ability to obtain and maintain an operative closed reduction.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric patients between 2007 and 2013 operatively treated for closed extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures. Inclusion criteria included skeletally immature patients with Gartland classification type II and III fractures. Eighty-five cases were included with 37 fractures treated by four fellowship trained adult traumatologists at a level I trauma center and 48 fractures treated by five fellowship trained pediatric orthopedists at a tertiary referral center. Radiographs were analyzed for Baumann's angle and shaft-condylar angle, then statistical comparisons were performed to compare preoperative and postoperative measurements.

RESULTS

There was no difference in age, gender, laterality, fracture classification, use of medial pins, or neurovascular injuries between PO and AT (p > 0.05). Change in Baumann's angle (p = 0.61) or shaft-condylar angle (p = 0.87) did not differ between PO and AT. There was no significant difference in operative and postoperative Baumann's angle (p = 0.18 and p = 0.59, respectively) and shaft-condylar angle measurements (p = 0.05 and p = 0.09, respectively) between PO and AT. There was no difference in loss of reduction between the two groups (p = 0.64).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiographic analysis of supracondylar humerus fractures showed no significant difference in alignment or loss of reduction when treated by pediatric orthopedists compared to non-pediatric orthopedists. Though it seems that the trend is to send pediatric fracture care to tertiary referral centers it may not be necessary for simple fracture management.