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Topic:

​

Issue:

Shoulder

Category:

​

Title:

Postoperative Immobilization Period for Pediatric Supracondylar Fractures: The Shorter the Better?

Author:

Jones, Neil John MBChB, MRCS; Zarook, Essa MBChB; Ayub, Anouska MBBS, MD, MSc; Manoukian, Dimitrios MD, MSc; Maizen, Claudia MD; Bijlsma, Paulien MD; Ramachandran, Manoj MBBS, BSc; Firth, Gregory MD

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

April 2024

Reference:

44(4): p 203-207, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002636

Level Of Evidence:

​

# of Patients:

193

Study Type:

Retrospective comparative study

Location:

Single-center, United Kingdom

Summary:

This study evaluated the effect of shorter (<28 days) versus longer (>28 days) immobilization periods on clinical and radiologic outcomes in children treated surgically for displaced supracondylar humerus fractures.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 193 cases of supracondylar humerus fractures treated with closed or open reduction and K-wire fixation. Patients were divided into two groups: short immobilization (SI: ≤28 days) and long immobilization (LI: >28 days). Outcomes assessed included deformity, range of motion, pin site infection, radiologic alignment, refracture rates, and signs of osteomyelitis.

Exclusions:

Cases with incomplete follow-up data, pre-existing deformities, or prior treatments unrelated to study parameters.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference in clinical or radiologic outcomes between SI and LI groups. Key outcomes, such as range of motion recovery, pin site infections, and refracture rates, were similar in both groups. The SI group had a significantly shorter time in plaster (27.5 ± 1.23 days vs. 43.9 ± 15.29 days, P=0.0001).

Conclusions:

Shorter immobilization periods after surgical treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures are as effective as longer periods in preventing complications such as refracture, malunion, and pin site infections. The findings support the safety and efficacy of reducing immobilization duration in these cases.

Relevance:

Limitations:

Perspective:

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