OBJECTIVETo evaluate the function of preventing supracondylar fracture of the humerus and cubitus varus in children by observing Baumann angle changes with self-made Orthopedic elastic elbow brace.

METHODSFrom October 2010 to April 2012,120 patients with closed Gartland II or III supracondylar fracture of the humerus diagnoised by X-ray were divided into two groups as follows:group A (62 cases, including 48 males and 14 females, with an average age of (7.27 +/- 4.36) years old, and the course of (1.48 +/- 1.26) days); group B (58 cases, including 47 males and 11 females, with an average age of (8.02 +/- 3.82) years old, and the course of (1.20 +/- 1.11) days. The two groups were treated by manipulative reduction and external fixation of small splints. Group A were used with elbow brace at 15 days after reduction, and treated for 90 days. Group B were used with external fixation of small splints and removed at 30 days. Baumann angle changes at different time periods (15 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 6 months, 1 year) after reduction and its' opposite side were recorded by X-ray. The angles of injured side and the opposite side were compared. The function of the elbow brace was evaluated at 90 days or 1 year after reduction according to Flynn.

RESULTSAll cases were followed up for over 1 year and obtained fracture healing. The incidence of cubitus varus was no one in group A and 4 cases in group B. The Baumann angles of injured side were trended to be increased with the time passing. From 30 days after reduction to 90 days, the increased angles of group B is more than that of group A (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONIt is effective on stabilizing Baumman angle in the supracondylar fracture of the humerus of midanaphase treatment in Children by orthopedic elastic elbow brace.