Close Reduction of Supracondylar fracture of humerus in children by Gravity Method

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of employing a new technique, the gravity method, for the closed reduction of supracondylar humerus fractures (Gartland’s type II and III) in pediatric patients treated at the Trauma Center of Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Hospital Gujrat.

Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Hospital's Trauma Center from August 2022 to April 2023. Children under 12 years old, presenting within 48 hours of injury with closed supracondylar humerus fractures (Gartland’s Extension type II and III), were included. All patients underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, employing means and standard deviations for quantitative variables, and frequency and percentage for qualitative variables.

Results: The mean age was 5.5 years (±1.5). Among 65 patients, there were 45 males and 20 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.4. The right humerus was affected in 28 patients (43%), while the left humerus was affected in 37 patients (57%). The gravity method successfully reduced 90% of fractures without the need for an assistant surgeon, resulting in a zero percent incidence of iatrogenic neurovascular injury. The average surgical duration was 20 minutes (ranging from 16 to 24 minutes), with an average of 7 images captured using the image intensifier. In cases where the gravity method failed, alternative closed reduction methods were employed for 10% of fractures; no open reduction was necessary.

Conclusion: The gravity method demonstrates safety and efficacy by providing accurate traction for reducing displaced supracondylar fractures without causing damage to the overlying skin or neurovascular structures around the elbow. Its applicability is particularly noteworthy in settings with a shortage of trained medical personnel and limited expertise in managing neurovascular complications.