Closed reduction of the pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures: the "joystick" method.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Our goal in this study was to propose an alternative closed reduction method to avoid open reduction in the management of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. A temporary Kirschner wire is inserted to the proximal part of the humerus to be used as a joystick to have a better control of the proximal fragment. PATIENTS Twenty-three patients with closed Gartland type III extension fractures were operated between 2003 and 2007. Mean age of the patients was 6.7 (4-10) years. METHOD: Uninjured and fractured elbow's Bauman angles, lateral condylar angles, the carrying angles and ROM values were compared statistically according to independent samples t test. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up 96.73 weeks (53-150), clinical results using the Flynn criteria were excellent in 21 (91.3%), good in 1(4.35%), fair in 1 (4.35%) patient. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the "joystick" reduction method is a reliable alternative when closed reduction itself is not successful.