Pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures

Summary

There is conflicting evidence from six retrospective cohort studies that examined the impact of delayed surgical treatment (via closed reduction and pinning) for pediatric supracondylar distal humeral fractures regarding the effect of surgical timing on the need for an open reduction. Delayed surgery does not appear to affect the postoperative complication rates for pin track infection or compartment syndrome. Based on individual studies, timing of surgery does not affect iatrogenic nerve injury. Additional methodologically rigorous comparative studies which delineate outcomes with early versus delayed surgery are necessary to establish the long term safety and efficacy of a delay in surgery in pediatric supracondylar distal humeral fractures.