Comparative analysis of different surgical incisions in treating medial epicondyle fracture of the humerus in children

Abstract:

Objective：To discuss advantages and disadvantages of two different incisions in treating medial epicondyle fracture of the humerus in children. Methods：One hundred and six children with medial epicondyle fractures were surgically treated and reviewed. Sixty-seven cases are male and thirty-nine are female. The mean age of patients at the time of accident was 12.7 years. The medial epicondylar fragment was anatomically reduced and fixed in all cases. Mean follow-up was 25 months. Function outcome was as－sessed using mayo elbow performance score. Results：Sixty-one cases were longitudinal incisions and forty-five cases were transverse incisions. The mean length was （7.5０±0.18） cm or （2.2０±０.13） cm and it took about （60.00±3.60） min or （23.00±2.66） min to finish one operation. The final result was excellent in 99 cases，good in 6 cases and bad in 1 case. Elbows were stable and pain-free and normal or little limited elbow range of motion was reported in 105 cases. Bone union was achieved in 105 cases and ununion in one case. No case of cubitus valgus >10° was observed. Two cases experienced radial nerve injury but recovered without another operation. Conclusion：The two incisions are feasible in the treatment of humerus medial epicondyle fracture. With the advantages of smaller incision，less invasiveness，easier operation and quicker recovery，transverse incision is better than longitudinal incision.