Management of Open Supracondylar Humeral Fracture in Children: A Case Report and Literature Review

Open supracondylar humeral fractures (SHFs) are rare, and there have been few papers specifically addressing their management. In this report, we describe the management and 27-month outcomes of an open SHF. A healthy eight-year-old boy presented with open SHF of the right elbow and underwent percutaneous lateral fixation using two Kirschner wires (K-wire) after irrigation and debridement (I&D) through an anterior approach. Excellent outcomes were obtained without any complications over a 27 month follow-up period. The management of open SHFs in children is yet to be standardized; nevertheless, we believe that I&D is a crucial step, that well-done lateral entry K-wires could provide the required stability, that the anterior approach is logical, safe, and effective, and that the high healing potential of children is our ally in such injuries.