Reduction of Displaced Supracondylar Fracture of the Humerus in Children by Manipulation in Flexion

Abstract

Sixty-one children with posteriorly displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus were treated by manipulation with the elbow flexed 40°-60°. This method proved to be safe, easy to apply and was followed by a high rate of success. The elbow was immobilized using a collar-and-cuff or a broad sling and binding of the arm to the forearm with zinc oxide adhesive plaster. In difficult children, the limb was put under the child's clothing to avoid its being used. Redisplacement occurred in only 8.2 per cent of the patients and in none of these was it severe enough to justify remanipulation.