OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided closed reduction with Kirschner wire fixation and open reduction with Kirschner wire fixation in the treatment of humeral lateral condyle fracture (HLCF) in children. METHODS: A clinical data of 53 children with HLCF admitted between May 2020 and April 2023 and met selective criteria was retrospectively analyzed. Of these, 25 cases were managed with closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation under ultrasound guidance (closed group), while 28 cases underwent open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation (open group). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, cause of injury, fracture side, fracture classification, and time from injury to operation ( P>0.05). The following variables were recorded and compared between the two groups: operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, fracture healing time, incidence of complications, and the Flynn elbow function score at last follow-up. RESULTS: In the closed group, the fractures were successfully reduced under ultrasound guidance, with no nerve damage reported in either group. The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency were significantly less in the closed group than in the open group ( P<0.05). One case of infection (Kirschner wire irritation) was observed in the closed group, while 3 cases in the open group (2 of Kirschner wire irritation and 1 of incision infection). However, the difference in the incidence of infection between the two groups was not significant ( P>0.05). All patients in both groups were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 10.2 months). X-ray examinations confirmed that fractures had healed in both groups, with no significant difference in healing time ( P>0.05). During follow-up, 5 cases of lateral humeral process formation were observed in the closed group, compared to 12 cases in the open group, although this difference was not significant ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the excellent and good rate of elbow joint function was evaluated as 96.0% (24/25) in the closed group and 92.9% (26/28) in the open group according to the Flynn scoring criteria, with no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). Both groups showed no occurrence of ossifying myositis or elbow internal/external rotation. CONCLUSION The effectiveness of ultrasound-guided closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation in the treatment of HLCF in children is comparable to open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation, but the former can reduce operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, and obtain lower the incidence of complications.
Humans ; Humeral Fractures/diagnostic imaging* ; Bone Wires ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Treatment Outcome ; Child, Preschool ; Open Fracture Reduction/methods* ; Fracture Healing ; Elbow Joint/surgery* ; Adolescent ; Closed Fracture Reduction/methods* ; Fluoroscopy ; Operative Time

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of early versus delayed closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation in the treatment of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 468 children with supracondylar humerus fractures, who were admitted between January 2020 and December 2023 and met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 187 children were treated during 12 hours after injury (early operation group) and 281 were treated after 12 hours (delayed operation group). There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in the gender, age, injury mechanism, fracture side and type, while there was significant difference in interval from injury to operation ( P<0.05). The operative outcomes, including the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the length of hospital stay, fracture healing time, elbow function assessed by Flynn criteria at 3 months after operation, and complications, were compared. RESULTS: Compared to the delayed operation group, the early operation group demonstrated significantly shorter operation time and less intraoperative blood loss ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups ( P>0.05). All children were followed up 3-12 months. The follow-up time was (6.7±2.9) months in the early operation group and (6.9±2.8) months in the delayed operation group, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the fracture healing time between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 3 months after operation, the early operation group exhibited superior Flynn elbow functional outcomes to the delayed operation group ( P<0.05). In the early operation group, there was 1 case of fracture non-union and 3 cases of cubital varus deformity after operation. In the delayed operation group, there was 1 case of nerve injury, 7 cases of fracture non-union, and 12 cases of cubital varus deformity after operation. There was significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups ( P<0.05). One case of the early operation group and 10 cases of the delayed operation group underwent secondary operation, showing no significant difference in the incidence of secondary operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION For pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures, early closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation can reduce operation time, minimize intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications, and improve the functional recovery compared to delayed operation.
Humans ; Humeral Fractures/surgery* ; Bone Wires ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Child, Preschool ; Treatment Outcome ; Operative Time ; Fracture Healing ; Length of Stay ; Closed Fracture Reduction/methods* ; Blood Loss, Surgical ; Time Factors ; Time-to-Treatment ; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the surgical technique and preliminary effectiveness of closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) using antegrade elastic intramedullary nailing (ESIN) via a novel approach through the proximal radius for treating distal radius metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (DRMDJ) fractures in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 34 children with DRMDJ fractures who met the selection criteria and were treated between January 2020 and June 2023. There were 21 boys and 13 girls, aged 6-14 years (mean, 8.2 years). Injury causes included falls in 11 cases and sports-related trauma in 23 cases. Twenty-six cases were associated with ipsilateral distal ulnar fractures. All patients had failed initial closed reduction in the outpatient clinic. The time from injury to operation ranged from 1 to 15 days (mean, 4 days). All patients underwent CRIF using antegrade ESIN inserted via a novel approach at the proximal one-third of the radius. The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded. Fracture reduction was assessed immediately after operation on anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films for residual translation and angulation. Wrist function was evaluated using the modified Mayo wrist score. RESULTS: Surgery was successfully completed in all 34 children. CRIF with ESIN failed in 2 cases with associated ipsilateral distal ulnar fractures, requiring conversion to open reduction of the ulna. Operation time ranged from 15 to 56 minutes (mean, 21 minutes). Intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency ranged from 5 to 21 times (mean, 7 times). Immediate postoperative X-ray films showed residual translation of 0-15% on anteroposterior view and 0-10% on lateral view, and residual angulation of 0°-5° on both anteroposterior and lateral views. All children were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 12 months). There was no complication such as neurovascular injury, incision infection, or limitation of forearm rotation. Follow-up X-ray films showed no fracture displacement, implant loosening, delayed union, or nonunion. Fracture healing time ranged from 4 to 8 weeks (mean, 6 weeks). Implants were removed at 4-6 months postoperatively (mean, 5 months). At last follow-up, all fractures had achieved anatomic or near-anatomic healing. The modified Mayo wrist score ranged from 80 to 100 (mean, 94), with 27 excellent and 7 good results, yielding an excellent and good rate of 100%. CONCLUSION CRIF using antegrade ESIN via a novel approach through proximal radius is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric DRMDJ fractures, associated with few postoperative complications and excellent restoration of wrist function.
Humans ; Child ; Female ; Male ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/instrumentation* ; Adolescent ; Radius Fractures/diagnostic imaging* ; Retrospective Studies ; Bone Nails ; Treatment Outcome ; Fracture Healing ; Diaphyses/surgery* ; Radius/surgery* ; Operative Time ; Closed Fracture Reduction/methods* ; Ulna Fractures/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of double joystick technique assisted closed reduction and Kirschner wire internal fixation in the treatment of Gartland type Ⅲ supracondylar fractures of the humerus (SCFH) in children. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 28 cases of Gartland type Ⅲ SCFH with complete data available, who underwent closed reduction and Kirschner wire internal fixation with the double joystick technique between August 2022 and July 2024. There were 23 boys and 5 girls, with an average age of 6.4 years (range, 1-12 years). All fractures resulted from falls and were classified as extension-type. X-ray film showed the radial displacement of the distal fragment in 15 cases and unlar displacement in 13 cases. The interval from injury to operation was 3-36 hours (mean, 19.5 hours). X-ray film re-examination was conducted to evaluate the fracture healing, and the Baumann angle of affected elbow joint and carrying angle of bilateral elbow joints were measured. Elbow joint function was evaluated using the range of motion (flexion and extension) and the Flynn criteria. The above indicators were compared between affected and healthy sides. RESULTS: All operation were successfully completed. The operation time ranged from 15 to 40 minutes (mean, 25.2 minutes). The length of hospital stay was 2-5 days (mean, 3.5 days). All patients were followed up 3-24 months (mean, 11.8 months). X-ray film confirmed fracture healing in all patients, with a mean healing time of 5.4 weeks (range, 4-6 weeks). At last follow-up, the Baumann angle of the affected elbow joint was (73.50±3.46)°, and the carrying angle and the range of motion in flexion and extension of the affected elbow joint were significantly less than the contralateral side (P<0.05). According to the Flynn criteria, the elbow joint function of the affected elbow was evaluated as excellent in 25 cases and good in 3 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. CONCLUSION The double joystick technique is a safe and effective method which can facilitate the closed reduction and Kirschner wire internal fixation of Gartland type Ⅲ SCFH in children without increasing risk of complications.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Humeral Fractures/diagnostic imaging* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Bone Wires ; Child, Preschool ; Fracture Healing ; Treatment Outcome ; Infant ; Elbow Joint/physiopathology* ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Closed Fracture Reduction/methods*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided closed reduction and internal fixation using Kirschner wire for the treatment of olecranon fractures of the ulna in children. METHODS: Between January 2019 and January 2021, 13 children with olecranon fracture were treated with ultrasound-guided closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire internal fixation, including 10 males and 3 females. The age ranged from 3 to 14 years old. Children with ulnar olecranon fractures were evaluated using the Gicquel scoring system. The clinical evaluation encompassed postoperative pain, functional status, and range of motion, with a maximum score of 15 points. The radiological assessment contributed an additional 4 points. A cumulative score of more than 18 scores was classified as excellent, more than 17 scores as good, more than16 scores as fair, and less than 16 scores as poor. Clinical assessment:A score of 14 indicates excellent performance, a score of 13 reflects good performance, a score of 12 denotes fair performance, and a score of less than 11 signifies poor performance. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients were followed up, with a duration ranging from 6 to 12 months. According to the Gicquel scoring criteria, the comprehensive evaluation of clinical and radiographic findings yielded 10 excellent and 3 good outcomes. Evaluation based solely on clinical findings resulted in 13 excellent outcomes. CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided percutaneous cross Kirschner wire fixation for children's olecranon fracture has the advantages of less trauma, rapid recovery, less fluoroscopy, and good recovery of elbow function. The clinical effect is satisfactory.
Humans ; Child ; Male ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Ulna Fractures/physiopathology* ; Bone Wires ; Child, Preschool ; Adolescent ; Olecranon Process/surgery* ; Ultrasonography ; Closed Fracture Reduction/methods* ; Olecranon Fracture

Subtalar dislocation is defined as a separation of the talocalcaneal and talonavicular articulations, commonly caused by high-energy mechanisms, which include falls from height, motor vehicle crashes, and twisting leg injuries. The dislocations are divided into medial, lateral, anterior, and posterior types on the basis of the direction in which the distal part of the foot has shifted in relation to the talus. The most common type is medial dislocation resulted from inversion injury. Subtalar dislocation may accompany with other fractures. Physical examination must be performed carefully to assess for neurovascular compromise. Most of the subtalar dislocations can be treated with closed reduction under sedation. If this is not possible, open reduction without further delay should be conducted. After primary treatment, X-ray and computed tomography scan should be performed to evaluate the alignment and the fractures. We report a 37-year-old male patient sustained a subtalar dislocation without any bony injury when he was playing football. The patient was successfully treated by closed reduction, and a good alignment was observed at the last follow-up. The pathogenesis and treatment method of this case were analyzed, and the related literature were reviewed, which provided a reference for future clinical treatment.
Adult ; Closed Fracture Reduction/methods* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Football/injuries* ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations/surgery* ; Male ; Subtalar Joint/injuries* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of closed reduction on the humeroradial joint in the treatment of Bado type Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ fresh Monteggia fractures in children and investigate the effect of clinical factors, including Bado classification, age and time of treatment on the success rate of closed reduction. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the data of children ≤10 years old with fresh Monteggia fractures (injury within two weeks) treated by manual reduction with plaster immobilization from January 2014 to April 2019. All patients were followed up in the outpatient department every two weeks for 4-6 weeks until plaster removal and then 3, 6 and 12 months. Online or telephone interview was provided for some inconvenient patients after 6 months. Mackay criteria were used to evaluate the clinical effect. Radiographic data were collected and reviewed to assess the reduction of the humeroradial joint. Function of the elbow joint and forearm was evaluated and risk factors related to the failure of reduction were assessed. The successful manual reduction was analyzed from three aspects, respectively Bado fracture type (Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ), patient age (<3 year, 3-6 years, >6 years) and time interval from injury to treatment (group A, <1 day; group B, 1-3 days; group C, >3 days). RESULTS: Altogether 88 patients were employed in this study, including 58 males (65.9%) and 30 females (34.1%) aged from 1 to 10 years. There were 29 cases (33.0%) of Bado type Ⅰ Monteggia fractures, 16 (18.2%) type Ⅱ and 43 (48.7%) type Ⅲ. Successful manual reduction was achieved in 79 children (89.8%) at the last follow-up. The failed 9 patients received open surgery. Mackay criteria showed 100% good-excellent rate for all the patients. The success rate of manual reduction was 89.7%, 87.5% and 90.7% in Bado type Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ cases, respectively, revealing no significant differences among different Bado types (χ = 0.131, p = 0.937). Successful closed reduction was achieved in 13 toddlers (13/13, 100%), 38 preschool children (28/42, 90.5%) and 28 school-age children (28/33, 84.8%), suggesting no significant difference either (χ = 2.375, p = 0.305). However time interval from injury to treatment showed that patients treated within 3 days had a much higher rate of successful manual reduction: 67 cases (67/71, 94.4%) in group A, 10 cases (10/11, 90.9%) in group B, and 2 cases (2/6, 33.3%) in group C (χ = 22.464, p < 0.001). Fisher's test further showed significant differences between groups A and C (p = 0.001) and groups B and C (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION Closed reduction is a safe and effective method for treating fresh Monteggia fractures in children. The reduction should be conducted as soon as possible once the diagnosis has been made.
Child ; Child, Preschool ; Closed Fracture Reduction ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Monteggia's Fracture ; classification ; surgery ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome

In this report, we describe an extremely unusual Monteggia equivalent type 1 lesion in a 10-year-old boy following a fall from a height of 1 m. On the plain radiographs, our patient had a particular Monteggia equivalent type 1 injury associating a posterior elbow dislocation with diaphyseal radius and ulna fractures. The patient was treated by closed reduction technique. At six months of follow-up, the fractures were consolidated and the elbow was stable. To our knowledge, only 8 adult cases and one paediatric observation with similar lesions had been reported through medical literature. Therefore, the aim of our case report is to remind this rare entity and also to provide a comprehensive review of the literature related to this uncommon lesion.
Child ; Closed Fracture Reduction ; methods ; Elbow Joint ; injuries ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; surgery ; Male ; Monteggia's Fracture ; surgery ; Radius Fractures ; surgery