# Outcomes of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture Fixation in a District Hospital in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study

## TL;DR

This study examines the treatment outcomes of pediatric humerus fractures at a Saudi hospital, showing good results with standard procedures.

## Contribution

The study provides real-world evidence of effective fracture management in a resource-limited hospital setting.

## Key findings

- Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning achieved satisfactory outcomes in 91.7% of cases.
- The overall complication rate was 11.2%, with superficial infections being most common.
- All patients had satisfactory outcomes at final follow-up based on Flynn's criteria.

## Abstract

Background

Supracondylar humerus fractures are among the most common pediatric fractures, and treatment can be challenging. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is the recommended treatment for displaced fractures. This study aimed to review the management of supracondylar humerus fractures at a district general hospital and to document our experience.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of pediatric patients who underwent surgical treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures treated over a 30-month period. Data collected included demographics, mechanism of injury, fracture type, modified Gartland classification, surgical management, clinical outcomes, and complications.

Results

A total of 36 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 5.2 ± 2.6 years (range 1-12 years), with a male-to-female ratio of 1.6:1. Extension-type injuries were observed in 35 patients (97.2%) and flexion-type in one patient (2.8%). According to the modified Gartland classification, extension-type fractures were distributed as follows: type II (34.3%), type III (60%), and type IV (5.7%). Most patients (91.7%) were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. The overall complication rate was 11.2%, with superficial surgical site infection being the most common (5.6%). One patient (2.8%) developed postoperative ulnar nerve palsy, attributed to medial pin placement. Based on Flynn's criteria, all patients achieved satisfactory outcomes at the final follow-up.

Conclusion

Our findings are consistent with those reported in the literature. Despite limited resources, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning remain the gold standard for managing displaced supracondylar humerus fractures, yielding satisfactory clinical outcomes and an acceptable complication profile.