None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The primary aim of this study is to compare the outcome of 2 different methods of managing displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus applicable in the setting of a tropical hospital characterized by lack of access to the image intensifier as well as limited access to specialized orthopaedic services. Although current literature supports percutaneous pinning of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus as preferable method rending the best results, one should notice that this method is not easily applicable in the developing counties. This study may provide good evidence for the development of clinical practice guidelines for the management of supracondylar fracture of the humerus in developing countries characterized by both lack of image intensifier and specialized orthopaedic services.
Interventions
Skeletal traction protocol consists on (i) application of the olecranon skeletal traction with Steinmann pin and frame under generals anaesthesia, (ii) overhead traction with 1.5 to 2 kg weight, with the forearm in supination and supported on ventral long arm slab, with the elbow positioned at 90 degrees of flexion (iii) continuation of traction from 2 – 3 weeks depending on the child’s age. When the patient could actively lift the arm off the pillow, usually 14 to 18 days after the injury, trac
Skeletal traction protocol consists on (i) application of the olecranon skeletal traction with Steinmann pin and frame under generals anaesthesia, (ii) overhead traction with 1.5 to 2 kg weight, with the forearm in supination and supported on ventral long arm slab, with the elbow positioned at 90 degrees of flexion (iii) continuation of traction from 2 – 3 weeks depending on the child’s age. When the patient could actively lift the arm off the pillow, usually 14 to 18 days after the injury, traction was removed and the elbow was rested in a sling and the patient was discharged. Active mobilization of the elbow was encouraged. No supervised physiotherapy was advised.
Sponsors
Jerzy Kuzma
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
0 to 16 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
all consecutive patients admitted to the orthopaedic unit of Port Moresby General Hospital with diagnosed displaced (type II and III Gartland classification) supracondylar fracture of the humerus
Exclusion criteria
Children with type I undisplaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus open fractures, intrarticular fractures, associated ipsilateral limb fractures, any visceral or head injury, or any previous treatment at a hospital elsewhere for the same injury over 16 years of age
Outcome results
None listed