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Supracondylar humerusfracture
(broken ellbow in a child)
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A fracture of the ellbow in a child is a common fracture. Reposition may not be necessary or can easily be done. A cast for several weeks (4-5) will then ensure proper healing. In severe dislocation however operation may be necessary. A minimal invasive procedure can then often be done.
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Under general anesthesia and x-ray control reposition is performed and two metal pins are drilled to secure the reposition (3-6)
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After this normal motion of the ellbow is possible and the pins are being cut. In this case the pins protrude still a little bit out of the skin (to facilitate removal), but they can also be cut close to the bone, deep to the skin. A cast is applied, because the pins themselves are not strong enough. The cast is needed for about 4-6 weeks (7-12).
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After the operation control x-rays are taken (13-14). The position is normal again and good recovery may be expected. After removal of the cast the pins are also removed. This can easily be done and local anesthesia is not necessary (unless the pins are deep to the skin). It will take some time to regain normal function of the ellbow, especially fully extending the ellbow will take some time.