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Abstract
To determine the relationship of
delay in management of supracondylar fracture of
humerus with reduced mobility of the joint.
Methods: In this descriptive study patients with
isolated fracture of supracondylar of humerus
without any associated trauma, were included. They
were classified into groups according to Gartlands’
classification based on antero-posterior and lateral
view Xrays of the affected elbow joint. Patients were
called for follow up 4,8 and 12 weeks after removal
of backslab and Kirschner wires.
Results: Mean age of presentation for fractures of
supracondylar of humerus was 5.67±2.064 years with
fracture occurring predominantly in males. Out of
the 32 patients who sustained Gartland type III
fractures, only 8(25%) patients were managed by
closed reduction and internal fixation. In 28(75%)
patients, open reduction and internal fixation had to
be done. Mean delay time for treatment in type-I and
type-II fractures was 2.86±2.25 and 2.56±1.42 days
respectively. Gartland type-III injuries had a delay
between injury and surgery of 4.88±2.95 days. Range
of motion was more reduced in flexion angle as
compared to extension, supination and pronation.
Conclusion: An inverse relation was found
between delay in presentation and range of motion.
Increase in delay to seek optimal treatment is
associated with a reduction in range of movement at
the supracondyle of humerus. In Gartland type III
fractures, open reduction had to be done to achieve
satisfactory results in most of the patients who
presented after a delay of more than 3 days. Follow
up of the patients showed an improvement in
mobility of the joint in the postoperative period but
role of physiotherapy in achieving maximum
mobility has not been determined yet