Epidemiological Study of Paediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures: Experience at a Tertiary Care Centre of North India.

Abstract

Objectives: In this study we observed epidemiological pattern of paediatric supracondylar fractures presenting to a tertiary care centre of a developing country to work out factors that are preventable and need attention so as to decrease the morbidity of these difficult fractures. Methods: All the suspected cases of supracondylar fractures of humerus in children up to 15 years of age were evaluated for following parameters: 1. Age. 2. Sex. 3. Extremity involved (dominant or non-dominant). 4. Mode of trauma. 5. Time since injury. 6. Any history of intervention and type of intervention by local bone setter or healer. 7. Any compounding of fracture and if present classification as per Gustilo-Anderson grading. 8. Anatomical type of fracture (extension or flexion type). 9. Gartland type of fracture. 10. Associated injuries. 11. Complications at presentation. Data of 140 patients was tabulated and analysed using appropriate statistics. Conclusion: Near about one fifth of paediatric supracondylar fractures can be prevented by proper railing of roof tops and stairs. And morbidity reduced in developing nations by educating people about dangers of treatment by local bone setters. Community health workers have a pivotal role in this setting. Moreover, children with supracondylar fractures should always be screened for injury to ipsilateral forearm bones.