Medium-term clinical results in the treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures in children: does the surgical approach impact outcomes?

Recent literature has found a consensus in favor of conservative treatment for type II supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHF). This retrospective observational study compares the short- to medium-term functional outcomes of conservative versus surgical treatment in 31 patients with SCHF (Gartland II and III) to assess the potential superiority of one approach over the other. Thirty-one pediatric patients treated for SCHF—19 classified as Gartland II and 12 as Gartland III—were assessed in our department. Eight patients underwent closed reduction and cast immobilization, 22 were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, and one underwent open reduction and internal fixation with plates. Clinical and functional data were collected during follow-up, including elbow and forearm range of motion (ROM), grip strength, carrying angle, Flynn’s criteria, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. The average follow-up was 3.3 years (± 1.4 years). All patients demonstrated good functional recovery. According to Flynn’s criteria, 85% and 81% of the patients achieved a satisfactory outcome in elbow flexion and carrying angle, respectively. No cases of nerve injuries were reported. Four patients developed cubitus varus in the Gartland II group, which was treated with closed reduction and casting with the initial alignment maintained (without a loss of reduction during the first week). However, compared to this group that was conservatively treated, functional and clinical outcomes were significantly better in the group with SCHF Gartland II treated with reduction and pinning (p < 0.05). Although some recent studies have demonstrated positive outcomes with conservative treatment for both Gartland IIA and IIB fractures, the short- to medium-term functional results in our study emphasize that superior outcomes were obtained with surgical treatment for Gartland II fractures when compared to those treated conservatively. Trial registration: This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethics approval was obtained from our institute’s ethics committee (registry no. 3511). Level of evidence: Therapeutic level III