INTRODUCTION: Controversy exists regarding the timing of surgery in children with displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the postoperative outcomes and complications in these children managed in a district general hospital. RESULTS: There were 81 children with displaced supracondylar fractures (64 Gartland type III and 17 type IIA). Of these, 46 children were treated within 6 hours of presentation and 35 were treated later. The rate of open reduction was higher in children treated early (23%) than in late cases (11%). There was no significant difference in the postoperative outcomes and complications between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In children with a supracondylar fracture, the timing of surgical treatment (before or after six hours from presentation to hospital) had no effect on postoperative complications and outcomes.
INTRODUCTION: Controversy exists regarding the timing of surgery in children with displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the postoperative outcomes and complications in these children managed in a district general hospital. RESULTS: There were 81 children with displaced supracondylar fractures (64 Gartland type III and 17 type IIA). Of these, 46 children were treated within 6 hours of presentation and 35 were treated later. The rate of open reduction was higher in children treated early (23%) than in late cases (11%). There was no significant difference in the postoperative outcomes and complications between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In children with a supracondylar fracture, the timing of surgical treatment (before or after six hours from presentation to hospital) had no effect on postoperative complications and outcomes.