Surgical Outcomes of Pediatric Humeral Supracondylar Fractures Treated By Posterior Approach and Triceps Splitting

Supracondylar fractures of humerus in children are the most common pediatric elbow fractures that account for about 70% of elbow fractures [1-3]. These fractures are divided into two types; extension (98%) and flexion (2%) type. Regarding to the amount of displacement, the extension type is divided by Gartland into type I (without displacement), type II (with displacement but intact posterior cortex) and type III (with displacement and disruption of both cortices) [3,4]. Type III is a common cause of surgical treatment among children. Treatment usually consists of closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF), but in some patients open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is required [5-9]. Surgical indications that are often mentioned include unsuccessful closed methods, severe displacement, pucker sign, severe ecchymosis in anterior part of elbow, vascular insufficiency (weak pulse, ischemic findings in the muscles of forearm) and open fractures [7,10,11].