Managing supracondylar fractures of the distal humerus in children in a district general hospital

INTRODUCTION Controversy exists regarding the timing of surgery in children with displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus. METHODS We reviewed retrospectively the postoperative outcomes and complications in these children managed in a district general hospital. RESULTS There were 81 children with displaced supracondylar fractures (64 Gartland type III and 17 type IIA). Of these, 46 children were treated within 6 hours of presentation and 35 were treated later. The rate of open reduction was higher in children treated early (23%) than in late cases (11%). There was no significant difference in the postoperative outcomes and complications between the groups. CONCLUSIONS In children with a supracondylar fracture, the timing of surgical treatment (before or after six hours from presentation to hospital) had no effect on postoperative complications and outcomes.