Internal Rotation Stress Testing Improves Radiographic Outcomes of Type 3 Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

The Limited Significance of the Internal Rotation Stress Test in Pediatric Gartland Type III Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

Background: Gartland type III pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures can be unstable and prone to loss of reduction. The Internal Rotational Stress Test (IRST) aims to assess and address rotational instability during surgery. Method: This retrospective study analyzed treatments for Gartland type III pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures at our institution from January 2020 to December 2022. Only patients who underwent IRST were included. IRST was performed after inserting either two or three lateral pins. Patients were divided into Group 1 (IRST +) or 2 (IRST -) based on IRST results. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Result: A total of 46 patients were included in the study. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 5.7 years (range, 4 to 11 years), and the mean duration of follow-up was 2.8 years (range, 1.0 to 4.8 years). Group 1 consisted of 24 patients, and Group 2 comprised 22 patients. We did not find any differences in radiographic parameters and clinical scores between the two groups. Additionally, in both groups, there were no instances of major loss of reduction, defined as greater than 12 degrees or 12%. In five patients, we identified two types of fracture patterns that were stable with only two lateral pins. Conclusions: In patients with Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures, if reduction is adequately achieved and sufficient fixation force is maintained, the IRST results do not significantly impact radiologic and clinical outcomes. The pattern of the fracture can influence instability, necessitating further research on this matter.

Comparative risk of ulnar nerve injury in pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures: a multicenter evaluation of Kirschner wire fixation techniques

PURPOSE

This multicenter, retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the risk of ulnar nerve injury in pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures treated with percutaneous lateral-pins, blinded-crossed-pins, and crossed-pins with a mini-incision.

METHODS

Data were collected from 1705 children treated between January 2010 and December 2023 at four orthopedic centers in Colombia. The incidence of postoperative ulnar nerve injury was compared among three fixation techniques: lateral-pin, blinded-crossed-pin, and crossed-pin with a mini-incision.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference in nerve injury rates was observed between the lateral-pin and both blinded-crossed-pin and mini-incision crossed-pin techniques (p < 0.001), with the lateral-pin technique demonstrating a significantly lower risk of injury. No significant difference was found between the blinded-crossed-pin and mini-incision crossed-pin techniques (p = 0.67).

CONCLUSION

Crossed-pin fixation was associated with a higher incidence of ulnar nerve injury, regardless of the use of a mini-incision. The lateral-pin technique remains the safest option for minimizing iatrogenic nerve injury. There is insufficient evidence to support the mini-incision as a safer alternative to traditional crossed-pin fixation.

The fate of the malrotated elbow supracondylar fractures in children: is varus really a problem?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the functional and cosmetic effects of elbow supracondylar fractures (SCF) in children with residual rotational deformity.

METHODS

Retrospective review cohort of patients with evidence of malrotation after treatment for SCF. An analysis of the postoperative X-ray of 305 consecutive SCF type 3 treated surgically during five years identified 46 elbows with rotational deformity that fulfilled the selection criteria and were recalled for review; only 27 patients agreed to participate. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Clinically, the elbow and shoulder ROM were assessed. The postoperative fracture rotation (PFR) was radiologically measured using the Berdis method. Results were categorized according to Flynn criteria, and functional outcomes were evaluated with the QuickDASH questionnaire. On final assessment, a radiograph of both elbows was obtained, and measures were compared. Descriptive analysis was made calculating median, range, proportions, and confidence intervals. Non-parametric tests were used to test the association between variables.

RESULTS

The group had a median age of four years and a median follow-up of 52 months. Shoulder rotation was asymmetrical in 13 patients; six patients presented a change on carrying angle > 5° (4 varus/2 valgus). The higher the residual rotation, the higher the chances of an altered shoulder rotation (for each degree of PFR, the shoulder rotation was changed to 0.4°). However, there was a low correlation between the amount of rotation and the final carrying angle (r = 0.37). According to Flynn's criteria, over 95% had excellent or good results.

CONCLUSION

There was a weak correlation between varus and rotational malalignment. Patients with moderate residual malrotation could be expected to have a good outcome even if some shoulder rotation changes persist.

Pediatric distal humeral supracondylar fracture – achievement of optimal pinning configuration

Pediatric supracondylar humeral fracture is com- monly managed using closed reduction and per- cutaneous Kirschner wires pinning. However, there is no consensus on optimal pinning configuration in the literature. Our study aims to review the pinning configuration in our department, correlate our results with the available literature, and suggest the optimal configuration using basic biomechanics principles. We performed a retrospective review on children that were treated with K-wire pinning for supracondylar fracture at our institution between August 2017 and August 2019. Intra-operative antero-posterior view fluoroscopic images were used to measure the pin separation ratio (PSR), pin crossing angle (PCA), medial inclination angle (MIA) and lateral inclination angle (LIA). Pearson Correlation was used to identify the relationship between the variables. Ninety-one patients were included for analysis (39 male: 52 female), with a mean age of 6. Average PCA in the crossed pin and lateral-entry only technique CA was 75° and 12°, respectively. Mean crossed pin and lateral-entry only technique PSR is 0.54 and 0.17, respectively. There was a significant difference in both mean PSR and PCA between the configurations (p <0.01). In subgroup analysis, optimal PSR > 0.33 and PCA >90° were best achieved in crossed pinning using 1 medial and 2 lateral pins. Assessing the biomechanical characteristics of the different fixation techniques, we have found that 2 lateral divergent pins and 1 medial pin using the crossed pin technique optimized both the PSR and PCA. We would recommend this configuration to optimize the stability of the fixation construct.

A Mini-Open Approach to Medial Pinning in Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures May Be Safer Than Previously Thought

BACKGROUND

Displaced pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHFs) are stabilized after reduction by smooth pins. Although some SCHFs are biomechanically stable after lateral-only entry pinning (lateral pinning), an additional medial entry pin (cross-pinning) confers superior stabilization in some SCHFs. There is a recognized risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury with medial entry pinning. The best existing evidence has estimated an iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury rate of approximately 3.4% in cross-pinning. In similar studies, the rate of iatrogenic nerve injury (all nerves) in lateral pinning is estimated at 1.9%. This study aimed to use a large, single-center, single-technique (mini-open) retrospective case series to determine the rate of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in cross-pinning.

METHODS

Patients undergoing percutaneous cross-pinning via the mini-open technique for SCHFs from 2007 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Injury characteristics, operative variables, fixation technique, and complications, such as iatrogenic nerve injury, were recorded. Patients who underwent operative treatment at another hospital, had no postoperative follow-up, or died due to polytrauma were excluded.

RESULTS

In this study, 698 patients undergoing cross-pinning during the study period were identified. Patients treated with cross-pinning had severe fractures, including a total of 198 preoperative neurovascular injuries (28.4%), 32 patients (4.6%) with skin tenting, and 19 patients (2.7%) with open fractures. Iatrogenic nerve injury was reported in 3 cases (0.43%), all of which affected the ulnar nerve. In 2 of 3 cases of iatrogenic nerve injury, the ulnar nerve symptoms resolved at a mean follow-up of 15 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The mini-open approach for medial pin insertion is safer than previous estimates. Here, in the largest single-center study of cross-pinning for SCHFs, the iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury rate of 0.43% was nearly 10 times lower than estimated rates from recent meta-analyses. Considering all nerves, the iatrogenic injury rate for this cross-pinning cohort was also lower than the estimated iatrogenic nerve injury rate for lateral pinning.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Variables affecting complication rates in type III paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures

PURPOSE

Unstable supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures may have different outcomes as a result of direction of displacement and pin configuration. This study evaluates the impact of fracture displacement, pin configuration and fellowship training on clinical and radiographic outcomes in unstable fractures.

METHODS

A total of 99 patients with completely displaced type III fractures were identified at an academic centre and a local community hospital. Patient characteristics and the fellowship training of the treating surgeon were recorded, and injury films documented the direction of displacement. Pin configuration, coronal and sagittal alignment were recorded from postoperative radiographs and at healing. Radiographic outcomes including coronal, sagittal and rotational malunion as well as clinical complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fractures with direct posterior displacement had a lower composite malunion rate compared with those with posterolateral (PL) or posteromedial (PM) displacement (6.9%, 36.4%, 29.2% respectively; p = 0.019). PM displacement had a higher rate of coronal malunion compared with PL (18.2% versus 0%; post hoc p = 0.024). All-lateral constructs resulted in more rotational malunions (20.9% versus 1.8%; p = 0.002) compared with crossed pinning. PL fractures treated with all-lateral fixation showed a trend toward increased rotational instability or malunion (23.8% versus 1.3%; p = 0.073). Higher composite complication rates were noted in patients treated by surgeons with non-paediatric, non-trauma fellowship training.

CONCLUSION

For displaced SCH fractures, all-lateral fixation is associated with higher rates of rotational instability and malunion. Posteromedially and posterolaterally displaced fractures have higher rates of malunion compared with fractures with straight posterior displacement. Fellowship training other than paediatric or trauma was associated with increased complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Assessment of Lateral Rotation Percentage and Rotational Deformity of the Elbow in Type 3 Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: A Biomechanical Study

BACKGROUND

Supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures are the most common elbow fractures in children. Historically, displaced (Gartland type 3) SCH fractures have been treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Fluoroscopic imaging is used intraoperatively in order to assess adequate reduction of the fracture fragments before pinning. On lateral fluoroscopic and radiographic images, a lateral rotation percentage (LRP) can be estimated in order to assess rotational deformity. The purpose of this study was to determine the true rotational deformity of distal humerus fracture fragments in SCH fractures based upon the LRP using a clinically relevant laterally based pinning technique.

METHODS

In this study, a sawbones model was used to examine the correlation between calculated LRP and the true degree of rotational deformity with 3 of the most common extension-type SCH fracture types (low transverse, high transverse, and lateral oblique). Because fracture stability was not the focus of this study, a single pin was used to hold the construct and allow for fragment rotation along a fixed axis. In this study, 2 of the authors independently measured rotational deformity and compared this with LRP on fluoroscopic lateral imaging of a sawbones model at 0 to 45 degrees of rotational deformity.

RESULTS

The LRP of all 3 patterns demonstrated a near linear increase from 0 to 45 degrees with maximum LRP measured at 45 degrees for each of the 3 patterns. Univariate linear regression demonstrated an increase in LRP for the low transverse pattern of 2.02% for every degree of rotation deformity (R2=0.97), 2.29% for the lateral oblique pattern (R2=0.986), and 1.17% for the high transverse pattern (R2=0.971). Maximum LRP was measured at 45 degrees for all 3 patterns with a mean of 53.5% for the high transverse pattern, 93.5% for the low transverse pattern, and 111.2% for the lateral oblique pattern. A higher LRP was measured with increasing degrees of rotational displacement in the low transverse and lateral oblique patterns for all degrees of rotational deformity compared to the high transverse pattern.

CONCLUSION

There is a near linear correlation between the degree of malrotation and the LRP with more superior metaphyseal fracture patterns demonstrating a lower LRP than inferior fracture patterns.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Using our data one can estimate the degree of malrotation based on the LRP on radiographs in the clinical setting.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Not applicable (basic-science article).

Internal Rotation Stress Test Reduces Cross-Pinning and Improves Outcomes in Displaced Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures

Stabilization of the medial column is vital in preventing the loss of fixation and malunion in displaced pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHFs). The preferred percutaneous pin configuration for medial column fixation remains controversial between medial pinning (cross-pinning) and additional lateral-based pinning. The intraoperative internal rotation stress test (IRST) has been proposed to reliably determine the optimal fixation strategy for each unique fracture. This study evaluated the impact of implementing the IRST on both the choice of pin configuration and institution-wide complications in pediatric patients treated operatively for SCHFs.

Methods

Pediatric patients undergoing percutaneous pinning for SCHFs between 2007 and 2017 at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. The IRST was made a universal institutional practice in 2013. Patients were divided into 2 groups for analysis: (1) patients who underwent treatment before the IRST was implemented in 2013 (the pre-IRST group), and (2) patients who were treated after the IRST was implemented in 2013 (the IRST group). Subgroup analysis was completed for patients in the IRST group who were treated with cross-pinning or 3 lateral-based pins.

Results

In this study, 820 patients in the pre-IRST group and 636 patients in the IRST group were included. After the IRST implementation, the rate of loss of fixation fell from 1.2% to 0% (p = 0.003), and the reoperation rate fell from 3.3% to 0.2% (p < 0.001). No cases resulted in a loss of fixation after the adoption of the IRST. The number of patients treated with cross-pinning decreased significantly from 53.2% to 31.6% (p < 0.001) after the IRST implementation, yet cross-pinning continued to be used for more severe fractures. Complication rates within the IRST group were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between cross-pinning and 3 lateral-based pins.

Conclusions

In the largest cohort reported on to date, to our knowledge, institutional implementation of the IRST resulted in a significant reduction in the use of cross-pinning. Although the usage of cross-pinning decreased, cross-pinning was still used frequently in the most severe fractures. The IRST use also resulted in significantly fewer complications such as loss of fixation after institution-wide implementation of the IRST for treating pediatric SCHFs.

Level of Evidence

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Surgical Technique: Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning of Posterolaterally Displaced Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

Gartland type III posterolateral (IIIB) supracondylar humerus fractures are common among the pediatric population and can lead to concomitant injury, including compromise of the brachial artery and median nerve and long-term deformity, such as cubitus varus. These fractures can be difficult to reduce, and there is little consensus regarding the optimal technique for closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Here, we discuss the management of Gartland III posterolateral supracondylar humerus fractures, including an in-depth technical description of the methods of operative fixation. We describe a lateral pin-only fixation technique for Gartland III posterolateral supracondylar humerus fractures that uses the intact periosteum during reduction of the distal fragment to assist in realigning the medial and lateral columns anatomically. We also discuss a safe method for placing a medial-based pin if there is persistent rotational instability at the fracture site after placement of the laterally based pins.

Manejo da fratura supracondiliana do úmero na criança

Supracondylar humeral fracture represents ∼ 3 to 15% of all fractures in children. It is the fracture that most requires surgical treatment in the pediatric population. Advances in treatment and care have contributed to a reduction in the most dramatic complication: Volkmann ischemic contracture. Nevertheless, the risks inherent to the fracture remain. Absence of palpable pulse in type-III fractures is reported in up to 20% of the cases. Careful sensory, motor, and vascular evaluation of the affected limb is crucial in determining the urgency of treatment. Older children, male patients, floating elbow, and neurovascular injury are risk factors for compartment syndrome. Medial comminution can lead to varus malunion, even in apparently innocent cases. The recommended treatment of displaced fractures is closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Technical errors in pin placement are the main cause of loss of reduction. There is enough evidence for the addition of a third lateral or medial Kirschner wire in unstable fractures (types III and IV). Medial comminution may lead to cubitus varus even in mild displaced fractures. Based on current concepts, a flowchart for the treatment of supracondylar humeral fracture in children is suggested by the authors.

Approaching Unusual Pediatric Distal Humerus Fracture Patterns

Pediatric distal humerus fractures are common, and numerous variations can occur depending on patient's age, position of the extremity at the time of injury, and energy of impact. Classic injury patterns include the flexion/extension supracondylar humerus, medial epicondyle, lateral condyle, and the transphyseal distal humerus. We describe our treatment philosophy for pediatric elbow fractures and how these principles were applied to some unusual fractures that presented to our institution.

Cross-sectional study of Gartland II and III humerus supracondylar fracture treatment in childhood: Brazilian orthopedists' opinion

Objective

This study is aimed at determining, through a cross-sectional study, the preferred therapeutic method in Brazil considering the approach to Gartland type II and III supracondylar humerus fractures during childhood.

Methods

The research project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Plataforma Brasil and the material was collected during the 46th Brazilian Orthopedics and Traumatology Congress. A questionnaire was developed to analyze two clinical scenarios about Gartland type II and III fractures.

Results

The sample consisted of 301 questionnaires obtained from 5500 participants of the Congress who met the inclusion and non-inclusion criteria. In case 1, the following was observed: 140 (46.5%) of physicians opted for closed reduction with immobilization and 116 (38.5%) selected closed reduction and osteosynthesis, of whom 82 (70.7%) preferred two crossed Kirschner wires. In case 2, 294 (97.7%) considered that the treatment is urgent, and 225 (74.8%) of the interviewed orthopedists answered that they perform osteosynthesis with two crossed Kirschner wires.

Conclusions

The opinion of orthopedic surgeons in Brazil varies for Gartland type II fractures. Type III fractures have a uniform conduct and they are treated urgently (97.7%). When osteosynthesis is necessary, it was observed that 82 (70.7%) and 225 (74.8%) of the interviewed surgeons opted for fixation with two crossed Kirschner wires.