Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of humeral supracondylar fractures in paediatric patients in a Regional General Hospital1

BackgroundSupracondylar humerus fractures are common in children between 5-7 years of age, and more frequent in the males. With 90-95% of these fractures produced by an extension mechanism, the urgency of immediate care is to prevent complications and sequelae.ObjectiveTo establish the clinical and epidemiological profile of supracondylar humerus fractures, in a Regional General Hospital of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social in Yucatan Mexico, during 2011-2013.Material and methodsA cross-sectional study was performed to calculate the association between the variables using odds ratios and statistical significance (p < 0.05) using the chi2 test.ResultsA series of 56 cases were analysed. The mean age was 2.6 ± 5.33 years. The main cause of the injury was falling over at home. Male gender is associated with extension injury mechanism (OR 5.6, 95% CI; 1.0-30.1, p = 0.03). It was observed that the longer time elapsed between injury and medical treatment leads to more hospital days (r = 0.40; p = 0.002). Surgical treatment was established in 44 cases (78.6%); 18 (40.9%) with closed technique and 26 (59.1%) with open reduction. In all cases nails were used in cross configuration. Ten complications were reported.ConclusionsSupracondylar humerus fractures are a common injury in children. Males are more likely to be injured by extension, and the speed in receiving medical treatment is an important issue