Analysis of risk factors for failed closed reduction in pediatric Gartland Type III supracondylar humerus fracture.

Background: Gartland Type III supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHFs) are commonly treated using closed reduction followed by percutaneous pin fixation. However, conversion to open reduction may be necessary if closed reduction fails. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with failed closed reduction and provide a theoretical basis for clinical decision-making in the treatment of Gartland Type III fractures.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on children with Gartland Type III SCHF who underwent surgical treatment between April 2017 and June 2018. Based on whether or not the closed reduction was successful, patients were split into the open reduction group and the closed reduction group. Within the closed reduction group, subgroup analysis based on surgery duration was carried out. Data were collected from medical records and X-ray images. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were utilized to evaluate the relationship between variables and failed closed reduction.
Results: The study included 36 patients in the open reduction group and 135 patients in the closed reduction group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of angle (P = .024, OR = 3.199), rotation (P = .000, OR = 6.359), skin creases (P = .013, OR = 4.077), anterior-posterior displacement ratio (P = .011, OR = 4.337), fracture angle in the anteroposterior view (P = .014, OR = 0.939), and fracture distal displacement direction (P = .002, OR = 5.384) were independent risk factors for failed closed reduction. Subgroup analysis showed that fracture distal displacement direction (P = .013), skin folds (P = .013), lateral displacement ratio (P = .016), and anterior-posterior displacement value (P = .005) significantly influenced the duration of closed reduction surgery.
Conclusion: The presence of sharp angle or rotation at the fracture ends, skin folds on the anterior elbow, minor anterior-posterior displacement of the fracture, higher medial inclination of the fracture plane, and distal fracture displacement toward the radial side are independent risk factors for failed closed reduction in pediatric Gartland Type III SCHF.
(Copyright © 2024 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)