• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.121-127
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• 1991

We have reviewed seven cases of fracture-separation of the distal humeral epiphysis, one of which was initially misdiagnosed as a fracture of the lateral condyle. There were difficulties in making the diagnosis. The injury must be distinguished from an elbow dislocation and a fracture of the lateral humeral condyle. All seven patients revealed posteromedial displacenemt of the distal humeral epiphysis on initial x-rays. Three patients were treated by closed reduction and cast immmobilization, and four patients by open reduction and internal fixation. All three patients with conservative treatment had slight cubitus varus(under 5 degrees). Two patients with operative treatment had significant deformities of the elbow, one 25 degrees of valgus and one 20 degrees of varus. In treatment of these injuries, accurate evaluation of the state of reduction is most important. We got acceptable results with a conservative treatment.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.400-408
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• 1993

During the period from March 1990 to November 1993, 22 children with diplaced supracondylar fracture of humerus were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation at department of Orthopaedic surgery in Yeungnam University. All fracture were treated with closed reduction under the general anesthesia and percutaneous pinning. After the fracture was internally fixed, intraoperative anteroposterior reontgenograms of each distal humerus were compared. Only anatomical reduction ensured good result, because the main cause of late cubitus varus was medial tilting of distal fragment. We could follow up 10 patients more than one year. By Flynn's criteria, satisfactory result were obtained in 9 of the 10. Unsatisfactory one had a limitation in flexion of elbow joint, but had no problem in cosmetic feature. In short term follow up of 7 patients, 5 patients had a satisfactory result, too. There were no neurovascular complication and hospitalization was shortened to 11.4 days. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning provided stabillity, vascular safety, simplified management, reduced hospital stay. This is safe and reliable technique for obtaining and maintaining an excellent reduction.