Treatment of supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children.

Ninety-nine cases of supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children were followed-up from 1 to 13 years with an average length of 4 years and 2 months. Supracondylar fractures were classified by Holmberg's classification. They were treated by fixation with plaster cast, plaster cast after manipulation, percutaneous pinning or open reduction. We studied about the range of motion (R. O. M.) and varus or valgus deformity of the elbow after the treatment. Baumann's angle at reduction correlated well with carring angle at the last follow-up (correlation coeficient r=0.79). There were no relationship between the R. O. M. and deformity of the elbow and the degree of displacement of distal fragment after the treatment. The deformity and abnormal R. O. M. of the elbow were essentially caused by incomplete reduction. decrease of the tilting angle led to the limitation of flexion of the elbow. If the conservative treatment is not acceptable to get the good aligment, open reduction must be considered.