title: [Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Supracondylar humerus fractures are common in children. Severe complications are rare. We present an overview of treatment options and prognosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The article is based on a non-systematic search in PubMed and experience from our own clinical research.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The injury is usually caused by falling from a height with the arm in extension. The mean age is about 6 years. Undisplaced fractures are treated conservatively with a cast. Displaced fractures should not be treated with a cast alone, as this may cause malunions and permanent neurovascular complications. The rate of complications after traction of displaced fractures is substantially lower than for immobilisation in cast alone. Traction and percutaneous pinning yield similar results, but percutaneous pinning is less expensive--mainly because it shortens the hospital stay. In addition, the risk of cubitus varus deformity seems to be reduced. Today the treatment of choice is closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Choice of pin configuration is at the surgeon's discretion. Crossed pins are more common than two lateral pins, although medial pins can affect the ulnar nerve. However, the affection is almost always transient. Deep infection after percutaneous pinning is very rare.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Percutaneous pinning of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children is cheap and the results are good.
authors.affiliation: Ortopedisk avdeling, Akershus universitetssykehus, Lørenskog, Norway.
authors.forename: Per-Henrik
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Randsborg
authors.forename: Einar Andreas
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Sivertsen
mesh_terms: D001858:Bone Nails; D002648:Child; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography