Patient Demographics and Risk Factors in Pediatric Distal Humeral Supracondylar Fractures

Full article available online at Healio.com/Orthopedics. Search: 20130523-12 The literature on distal humeral supracondylar fractures does not systematically define relationships between patient characteristics and the severity or complications of these injuries. This study evaluated age, sex, height, and body mass index (BMI) in relation to fracture severity and posttreatment complications in a pediatric population. The medical records of 382 pediatric patients treated for distal humeral supracondylar fractures over a 5-year period at 1 institution were included. Variables included age, sex, height, weight, injury mechanism, fracture severity (Gartland Classification), treatment, follow-up duration, and treatment complications. Body mass index and BMIfor-age percentile were calculated. Descriptive statistics with univariate analyses and logistic regression analysis with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used. Children sustaining Gartland type 3 fractures were significantly older and taller than those sustaining Gartland type 1 and 2 fractures. No significant difference existed in fracture occurrence between boys and girls. Fracture severity did not differ significantly due to sex, BMI, or BMI-for-age percentile. Severe fractures were associated with increased posttreatment complications. Complication rates did not vary significantly by age, sex, height, BMI, or BMI-for-age. Taller children aged 5 to 6 years were at the greatest risk for Gartland type 3 distal humeral supracondylar fractures. Severe fractures are associated with an increased complication risk. Sex, BMI, and BMI-for-age percentile had no effect on fracture severity or complication rates. Patient Demographics and Risk Factors in Pediatric Distal Humeral Supracondylar Fractures Andrew J. Mitchelson, Bsc; Kenneth d. illingworth, Md; BrooKe s. roBinson, MPh; Khider A. K. elniMeiry, BA; crAig J. wilson, BA; stePhen J. MArKwell, MA; Keith r. gABriel, Md; JAsMin Mcginty, Md; KhAled J. sAleh, Md, Frcs(c), MhcM The authors are from the Division of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation (AJM, KDI, BSR, KAKE, CJW, KRG, JM, KJS); and the Department of Surgery (SJM), Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois. The authors have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. The authors acknowledge Wendy Edie, APN, FNP-BC; Alison Seiz, AOCN; Mark McAndrew, MD; John Fisk, MD; and K. Anjali Singh, MD, for contributing patients to this study. Correspondence should be addressed to: Khaled J. Saleh, MD, FRCS(C), MHCM, Division of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, PO Box 19679, Springfield, IL 62794-9679 (amitchelson@siumed.edu). doi: 10.3928/01477447-20130523-12