Open Reduction Techniques for Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children.

Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common elbow fractures in children. Displaced supracondylar humerus fractures that are associated with neurologic and/or vascular injuries are treated with timely reduction through closed techniques. When closed techniques fail, reduction by open methods is indicated. Controversy exists as to which surgical approach yields the best outcomes in terms of cosmetic and functional results, while minimizing postoperative complications. Open reduction, when indicated, has been shown to yield good outcomes when closed reduction methods fail. Copyright 2015 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.