title: Results of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation after a mean 22.4 years of follow-up.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional and cosmetic results as well as the sagittal and coronal plane remodeling of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 49 patients (11 boys and 38 girls) with Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures treated with open reduction and cross-pin fixation were retrospectively evaluated. The mean follow-up time was 22.4 years (range, 10.6-37.5 years). The Flynn criteria were used to assess the cosmetic and functional outcomes. Baumann's angle, the lateral rotational percentage, the humerus-elbow-wrist angle, and the humeral condylar angle were obtained from follow-up radiographs. The flexion and extension deficits compared with the uninjured side were measured at the last follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to the Flynn criteria, the cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory in 93.9% of the patients, and the functional outcomes were satisfactory in 83.7% of the patients. The average flexion deficit was 5° ± 8°, and the average extension deficit was 4° ± 5°. At the final follow-up, the mean difference in the humerus-elbow-wrist angle and the humeral condylar angle between the injured and uninjured sides was -4° ± 7° and 0° ± 3°.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We identified the remodeling in the sagittal plane in supracondylar humerus fractures that had been united in flexion. Satisfactory functional and cosmetic results were obtained with the open reduction and internal fixation of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus, and no degenerative changes were observed at the long-term follow-up.
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Kocamustafapasa, Istanbul, Turkey. Electronic address: mfguven@yahoo.com.
authors: Mehmet F
authors: MF
authors: Guven
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Kocamustafapasa, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Gokhan
authors: G
authors: Kaynak
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Kocamustafapasa, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Muharrem
authors: M
authors: Inan
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Küçükçekmece, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Gurkan
authors: G
authors: Caliskan
authors: Department of Radiology, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Küçükçekmece, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Hiclal B
authors: HB
authors: Unlu
authors: Kaktus Health Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Hayrettin
authors: H
authors: Kesmezacar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Baumann's angle; Flynn criteria; Supracondylar humerus fracture; deformity; open reduction; remodeling