Displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.

We performed an outcome study of completely displaced supracondylar fractures in children in order to assess the outcome of primary open reduction and internal fixation for these injuries. A total of 16 patients (mean age of 5.9 years) were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 2.6 years and patients were assessed after fracture healing using the criteria of Flynn et al. and Mark et al. Thirteen patients had an excellent result, two had good results with less than 10 degrees loss of carrying angle and one had a fair result based on degree of loss of elbow flexion. Open reduction and internal fixation of these fractures is an effective and safe method of primary treatment and is associated with good outcomes. We recommend a low threshold of proceeding to open treatment in these serious injuries.