Gartland type III supracondylar humeral fractures

Summary

There is a lack of evidence to determine whether closed or open reduction results in better outcomes following Gartland type III supracondylar humeral fractures in children. One small randomized controlled trial (RCT) suggests that clinician-based outcomes (Flynn's criteria) may be slightly better following closed reduction. However, this needs to be weighed against the potential of a slight increase in iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. A larger randomized trial is needed in order to better determine the benefits and harms of these two treatment options.