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.
Keywords Supracondylar humeral fracture - Closed reduction - Joystick - Pediatric - K wire
Level of evidence: level III study.