Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: Treatment by a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Versus a Non-pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon.

INTRODUCTION

Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common surgically treated fracture in children. National trends have demonstrated an increase in transfers of supracondylar fractures to pediatric hospitals due to the perception that supracondylar fractures need to be treated by pediatric specialists. The objectives of the study are to compare the outcomes of surgically treated pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures (PSCHF) between a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and a non-pediatric orthopedic surgeon at a single academic medical center; to assess radiographic reduction, the number of pins used, surgical time, Flynn criteria outcomes, and complications associated with PSCHF treatment by both types of surgeons; to determine if there is a significant difference in outcomes between pediatric and non-pediatric orthopedic surgeons in the treatment of PSCHF.

METHODS

Forty-seven consecutive pediatric patients, with an average age of 5.5 years old, who had undergone surgical correction for supracondylar humerus fractures during 2019 were included in this study. The intervention performed was closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. The main outcome measured: radiographic reduction on the AP and lateral X-ray view, number of K wires used, use of a medial K wire, time of surgery, the Flynn criteria, and complications. The Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) at Penn State approval was obtained.

RESULTS

Radiographic reductions as measured by Bauman's angle and the position of the anterior humeral line were excellent and similar between surgeons. The pediatric orthopedic surgeon used more medial K wires (p=0.0007), fewer K wires (p=0.0065), and the length of surgery was shorter (p=0.019). The Flynn criteria were similar with equal excellent and good results. For both surgeons, no complications such as loss of reduction, infection, iatrogenic nerve injury, compartment syndrome, or cubitus varus occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes of treatment of displaced PSCHF by the pediatric and non-pediatric orthopedic surgeons were equal. The results of this study reaffirm the assertion that both pediatric and non-pediatric orthopedic surgeons have sufficient training and skill to treat these common fractures, thereby contributing to a more informed decision-making process in clinical practice.