Comparison of lateral versus triceps-splitting posterior approach in the surgical treatment of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.

BACKGROUND: Supracondylar humerus fracture is the most common fracture of the elbow in children. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is considered to be the optimal treatment strategy; however, in some instances, open reduction may be necessary. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare clinical and functional results of triceps-splitting posterior versus lateral approach in pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture surgery. METHODS: A total of 38 patients underwent surgery; Group 1 consisted of 30 patients on whom posterior approach was used, while lateral approach was used on the 8 patients in Group 2. Flynn criteria were used to evaluate cosmetic and clinical results. Fracture healing was assessed with anteroposterior and lateral x-rays. Patients and parents were asked to describe time needed for complete return of full elbow range of motion (ROM) and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: Mean fracture union time was 44.1 days and 46.3 days, and time required to regain complete or near complete elbow ROM was 57.5 days and 55.7 days after splint removal for Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Twenty-one of 30 (70%) patients (and parents) in Group 1, and 6 of 8 (75%) patients (and parents) in Group 2 were totally satisfied with the results. Twenty-one of 30 (70%) patients in Group 1, and 6 of 8 (75%) patients in Group 2 had excellent cosmetic and functional results according to Flynn outcome criteria. CONCLUSION: In cases of pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture, early closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is preferred; however, when this method is not applicable, triceps-splitting posterior approach is a safe and comparable method to lateral approach with advantages of easier fracture reduction and shorter operating time.