VASCULAR AND NEURAL COMPLICATIONS IN SUPRACONDYLAR FRACTURES OF THE HUMERUS IN CHILDREN

Abstract

1. Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children may be associated with injuries to nerves or blood vessels which are much more serious than the fracture. 2. The early recognition of such complications is imperative. 3. Early and adequate treatment of acute vascular complications is necessary, even though it means surgical exploration of the antecubital fossa and resection of the injured segment of the brachial artery. 4. Adequate and early treatment of acute vascular injuries usually ensures a good prognosis, but delay may lead to serious and permanent disability. 5. Palsies of nerves should be observed for a few weeks after adequate reduction of the fracture. If no improvement has taken place in function of the nerve or nerves in question after this period, surgical exploration is advisable.