Supracondylar Humerus Fracture Treatment in Children: A Comparison Between Supine and Prone Positions

Keywords: Distal humeral fractures, supracondylar distal humerus fracture, prone position, supine position

Abstract

Introduction: Supracondylar humeral fractures are common injuries in pediatric patients, accounting for approximately 60-70% of all elbow fractures in this population. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and radiological outcomes of osteodesis for supracondylar humeral fractures in pediatric patients and to evaluate the impact of patient positioning (prone vs. supine). Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, including all patients under 16 years of age with Grade II and III Gartland supracondylar humeral fractures who underwent humerus reduction and osteodesis between 2002 and 2022, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Results: The study included 265 patients, of whom 127 underwent surgery in the supine position and 138 in the prone position. The most significant finding of our study was that osteodesis achieves excellent clinical and radiological outcomes, and the patient’s position does not have a significant impact on the surgery. Conclusions: Reduction and osteodesis of the humerus provide excellent clinical and radiological outcomes for the treatment of supracondylar fractures. The patient’s position (prone or supine) does not appear to affect the consolidation rate or limb function.

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Author Biographies

Genaro R. Cucalón, Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Británico Central de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Británico Central de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Lautaro García Osso, Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Británico Central de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Británico Central de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Santiago Iglesias, Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Británico Central de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Británico Central de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Eduardo J. Levy, Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Británico Central de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Británico Central de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Javier E. Dal Lago, Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Británico Central de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Británico Central de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Published
2025-02-24
How to Cite
Cucalón, G. R., García Osso, L., Iglesias, S. L., Levy, E. J., & Dal Lago, J. E. (2025). Supracondylar Humerus Fracture Treatment in Children: A Comparison Between Supine and Prone Positions. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 90(1), 43-50. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2025.90.1.1818
Section
Clinical Research