Displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children. A comparison of results and costs in patients treated by skeletal traction versus percutaneous pinning.

Clinical outcome and treatment cost were compared in 65 children treated by either percutaneous pinning or skeletal traction for displaced supracondylar humeral fractures. Clinical outcome was evaluated by loss of elbow motion and change in carrying angle. Results of treatment were basically equivalent in the two groups and were satisfactory in 90% or more. To determine treatment cost, the authors analyzed factors that vary according to the type of therapy. Cost of treatment was lowest in those who had percutaneous pinning and subsequent pin removal in the office. Compared to this group, the cost of treatment increased by 23% in those who had percutaneous pinning and removal of the pins as a surgical procedure, by 117% in those treated by traction with the olecranon pin inserted in the emergency room, and by 142% in those treated by traction with the olecranon pin inserted in the operating room.