Abstract
We describe 19 patients with supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children (1 to 10-years-old) treated between 1993 and 2001 by overhead transolecranon pin traction. The mean follow-up period was 9.3 months (2 to 18 months). According to Abe’s classification, there were 6 type III fractures and 13 type IV fractures. The fractures were managed initially by closed reduction under general anesthesia, and the arms were suspended by transolecranon pin. In most cases (n=17), the pins were removed at 3 weeks and the arms were protected by applying casts. The results of the treatment were assessed using criteria of Flynn et al.: functional factor; 10 cases were excellent, and 9 cases were good, cosmetic factor; 15 cases were excellent, and 4 cases were good. Varus deformity occurred in none of the cases, and no Volkmann’s contracture were seen. We could not find any relationships between the fracture type and the outcomes. The disadvantage of the traction method is that hospitalization is required for approximately three weeks, which is longer than other methods.
