Iatrogenic ulnar neuropathies post-pinning of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children.
A retrospective review of 141 displaced supracondylar fractures in children at the Bustamante Children's Hospital and the University Hospital of the West Indies from 1994 to 1999 revealed ten ulnar nerve palsies. Of the 141 supracondylar fractures, 27 were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, while 114 had closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. All fractures were fixed with crossed Kirschner wires. Of the ten cases, the ulnar nerve was explored in two cases; the medial pin was removed in two cases, while the other six cases were observed. Follow-up ranged from three to 18 months. Full nerve recovery occurred in all cases except one in which there was partial return of function. Recommendations are made regarding the management of these injuries.
Rose
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Division of Orthopaedics, Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica. recrose@hotmail.com
Phillips
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D001864:Bone Wires / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020424:Ulnar Neuropathies / Q000209:etiology*