exudates and Humeral-Fractures

A retrospective study of nerve injuries with displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children younger than 12 years of age, treated in Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Our objectives were to determine the incidence of primary and iatrogenic nerve injuries in supracondylar humerus fractures Gartland types II and III and to determine the outcome of nerve recovery. A total of 272 patients with displaced supracondylar humerus fractures who required admission to Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia from January 2000 to December 2007 were reviewed. There were 182 boys (67%) and 90 girls (33%). The mean age was 6.0 years, ranging from 1 to 12 years. Of 272 supracondylar fractures, 79 were type II and 193 were type III. Fifty-one (19%) patients had closed reduction, 160 (59%) had closed reduction and percutaneous crossed Kirschner (K) wires, and 61 (22%) had open reduction and crossed K-wires. Associated nerve injuries involving the median, radial, and ulnar nerves were observed in 48 (18%) patients. Nerve injuries were observed in nine (3%) patients upon admission. Thirty-nine (14%) patients developed nerve injuries following treatment. Of these 39 patients, 34 had ulnar, three had radial, and two had median nerve injuries. Nerve exploration was performed in five patients (in four patients following debridement of open fracture and in one because of unacceptable postoperative radiographs, and they subsequently underwent open reduction and exploration). Except for these five patients, the K-wires were not removed earlier nor were the nerves surgically explored in others. The nerve injuries resolved clinically on an average time of 3.5 months (range from 3 weeks to 8 months). Our study found complete resolution of all patients with nerve injuries confirmed by clinical assessment. On the basis of our study, we believe that there is no indication to remove the K-wires immediately or to explore the nerve surgically following a mini-open technique, which reduces the risk of penetrating a nerve during pinning.

Topics: Bone Nails; Bone Wires; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Fracture Healing; Humans; Humeral Fractures; Infant; Injury Severity Score; Joint Dislocations; Malaysia; Male; Median Nerve; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Radial Nerve; Radiography; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Treatment Outcome; Ulnar Nerve

Over a seven-year period, 170 cases of humerus fractures were plated in Hospital Melaka. Of these, 131 cases were successfully traced for this study. Besides looking at fracture epidemiology, its relationship with radial nerve injury was examined. The incidence of post-traumatic wrist drop in closed and compound fractures were 14.9% and 35.3% respectively. In relation to the site of fracture, lower third fracture had the highest incidence of wrist drop (29%). The recovery from post-traumatic wrist drop was 83%. The average duration taken for recovery was 11.8 weeks. The incidence of post-operative wrist drop was high at 17.6% but all recovered during follow-up.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Hospitals, General; Humans; Humeral Fractures; Infant; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Radial Nerve; Retrospective Studies

Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Humeral Fractures; Incidence; Malaysia; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Wounds and Injuries

132 consecutive cases of supracondylar fractures of the humerus admitted between July, 1997 and February, 1999 were included in a prospective study. There were 93 boys and 39 girls. The age ranges from one to 14 years old. The non-dominant arm was more often injured. Ethnic Malay constituted the majority. Accidents mainly occurred at home with a peak between 4 pm and 8 pm. Majority was presented within 24 hours of injury. Type III fracture with distal fragment in extension predominated. Nerve injuries occurred in 9 cases in which median nerve was the most commonly affected. There was only one open fracture and it was complicated by absent radial pulse and median nerve injury.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Humeral Fractures; Incidence; Infant; Malaysia; Male; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Prospective Studies; Wounds and Injuries

Thirty-nine displaced fractures of the lateral humeral condyle in children were followed for an average of 5 (2-5) years. The results were evaluated from functional and cosmetic aspects. Patients treated within 2 weeks by open reduction and internal fixation did well. Those operated on after 6 weeks did not do better than nonoperated on cases. Complications included cubitus varus and valgus deformities, osteonecrosis, nonunion and malunion, and loss of motion. We recommend that patients presenting late be left alone and any sequelae evaluated at a late stage.

Topics: Bone Wires; Child; Disability Evaluation; Elbow Joint; Female; Humans; Humeral Fractures; Malaysia; Male; Medicine, Traditional; Time Factors

Topics: Arm Injuries; Child; Child, Preschool; Clavicle; Female; Femoral Fractures; Femur Head; Fibula; Fracture Fixation; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Humeral Fractures; Leg Injuries; Malaysia; Male; Radius Fractures; Tibial Fractures