Supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children

Abstract

The results of a radiographic and clinical follow-up investigation of 54 individuals who had sustained supracondylar fracture of the humerus in childhood are presented. The mean duration of observation was 8 yr. The objective clinical result of treatment and the subjective result were similar to those in previous investigations. A new method of radiographic measurement for assessment of supracondylar fracture of the humerus in the lateral plane is described. This measurement is termed the humero-centro-capital distance. It is apparent from the results of the investigation that development of the carrying angle during the years of growth is difficult to predict even in the cases where the fracture healed primarily in a correct position. On the other hand, spontaneous correction of the humero-centro-capital distance occurred in 76% of cases.