ANTERIOR EXPOSURE FOR OPEN REDUCTION OF SUPRACONDYLAR HUMERAL FRACTURES IN CHILDREN - A FORGOTTEN APPROACH

Objective: To describe the anterior approach for open reduction of supracondylar fractures in children and to assess the morbidity and functional outcome. Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: University Hospital. Subjects: Eleven consecutive children (mean age 6 years, range 4-12) with supracondylar fractures who were treated by open reduction and fixation with a Kirschner wire through an anterior approach from 1984-1990 and followed up after a mean of 9 weeks (range 5-16 weeks). Results: There was no morbidity. Full functional recovery was achieved within four months of the accident. One patient had a mild (10 degrees) varus deformity with normal function of the elbow. Conclusion: Open reduction of supracondylar fractures and fixation with a Kirschner wire through an anterior approach is a logical, safe and elegant technique, which we recommend for children in whom closed reduction has failed.