Supracondylar humerus fractures in children.

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are the most common fractures in children that require surgery. A significant advancement in the field of pediatric orthopedics has been closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of these fractures. This technique, using high quality fluoroscopic imaging, allows for a near anatomical reduction of fractures without the need for an open surgical procedure or prolonged traction. Supracondylar fractures in children are often associated with neurologic and vascular damage that must be recognized before fracture reduction. Nursing staff members' skill with pediatric patients can greatly aid the surgeon in the timely and safe treatment of these fractures.