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Closed reduction of the pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures: the “joystick” method

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Published:
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

Our goal in this study was to propose an alternative closed reduction method to avoid open reduction in the management of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. A temporary Kirschner wire is inserted to the proximal part of the humerus to be used as a joystick to have a better control of the proximal fragment.

Patients

Twenty-three patients with closed Gartland type III extension fractures were operated between 2003 and 2007. Mean age of the patients was 6.7 (4–10) years.

Method

Uninjured and fractured elbow’s Bauman angles, lateral condylar angles, the carrying angles and ROM values were compared statistically according to independent samples t test.

Results

At a mean follow-up 96.73 weeks (53–150), clinical results using the Flynn criteria were excellent in 21 (91.3%), good in 1(4.35%), fair in 1 (4.35%) patient.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the “joystick” reduction method is a reliable alternative when closed reduction itself is not successful.

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Acknowledgments

None of the authors received payments or other benefits or a commitment or agreement to provide such benefits from a commercial entity. No commercial entity paid or directed, or agreed to pay or direct, any benefits to any research fund, foundation, educational institution, or other charitable or nonprofit organization with which the authors are affiliated or associated. This study has been reviewed by appropriate ethics committee and has therefore been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in an appropriate version of the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki. All persons gave their informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Taksim Training and Research Hospital, Siraselviler Street, No 112, Taksim, Istanbul, Turkey

    Atilla Sancar Parmaksizoglu, Ufuk Ozkaya, Fuat Bilgili, Emrah Sayın & Yavuz Kabukcuoglu

  2. Acun Sok. Hamitbey Apt. No:10/7 Saskinbakkal, Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey

    Ufuk Ozkaya

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  1. Atilla Sancar Parmaksizoglu
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  2. Ufuk Ozkaya
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  3. Fuat Bilgili
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  5. Yavuz Kabukcuoglu
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Correspondence to Ufuk Ozkaya.

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Level of evidence: level III study.

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Parmaksizoglu, A.S., Ozkaya, U., Bilgili, F. et al. Closed reduction of the pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures: the “joystick” method. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 129, 1225–1231 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-008-0790-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-008-0790-8

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