Completely displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children: Results of open reduction versus closed reduction

This retrospective study was performed to understand the clinical results after closed reduction and open reduction in 35 children (mean age 6.4 years) with completely displaced supracondylar fractures of the distal humerus between 1996 and 2000. Closed reduction (21 cases) was attempted, with open reduction (14 cases) indicated in irreducible cases with or without severe swelling. After an average follow-up of 22 months, according to Flynn's criteria, the results were excellent in 18, good in 12, fair in 2, and poor in 3. The satisfactory results rates were similar for closed and open reduction. The unsatisfactory results were related to the poor initial reduction and redisplacement after operation. The mean Baumann's angle was 8.7° in the closed reduction group and 6.6° in the open reduction group. None of the patients showed restricted elbow motion of more than 10°, even in two cases of hypertrophic scar in the open reduction group. Selective open reduction for displaced supracondylar fractures of the distal humerus produced as good results as closed reduction.