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PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of alendronate on risk of fracture in women with low bone density but without vertebral fractures: results from the Fracture Intervention Trial.

CONTEXT: Alendronate sodium reduces fracture risk in postmenopausal women who have vertebral fractures, but its effects on fracture risk have not been studied for women without vertebral fractures. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that 4 years of alendronate would decrease the risk of clinical and vertebral fractures in women who have low bone mineral density (BMD) but no vertebral fractures. DESIGN: Randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Eleven community-based clinical research centers. SUBJECTS: Women aged 54 to 81 years with a femoral neck BMD of 0.68 g/cm2 or less (Hologic Inc, Waltham, Mass) but no vertebral fracture; 4432 were randomized to alendronate or placebo and 4272 (96%) completed outcome measurements at the final visit (an average of 4.2 years later). INTERVENTION: All participants reporting calcium intakes of 1000 mg/d or less received a supplement containing 500 mg of calcium and 250 IU of cholecalciferol. Subjects were randomly assigned to either placebo or 5 mg/d of alendronate sodium for 2 years followed by 10 mg/d for the remainder of the trial. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical fractures confirmed by x-ray reports, new vertebral deformities detected by morphometric measurements on radiographs, and BMD measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Alendronate increased BMD at all sites studied (P<.001) and reduced clinical fractures from 312 in the placebo group to 272 in the intervention group, but not significantly so (14% reduction; relative hazard [RH], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-1.01). Alendronate reduced clinical fractures by 36% in women with baseline osteoporosis at the femoral neck (>2.5 SDs below the normal young adult mean; RH, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.50-0.82; treatment-control difference, 6.5%; number needed to treat [NNT], 15), but there was no significant reduction among those with higher BMD (RH, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.87-1.35). Alendronate decreased the risk of radiographic vertebral fractures by 44% overall (relative risk, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.39-0.80; treatment-control difference, 1.7%; NNT, 60). Alendronate did not increase the risk of gastrointestinal or other adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: In women with low BMD but without vertebral fractures, 4 years of alendronate safely increased BMD and decreased the risk of first vertebral deformity. Alendronate significantly reduced the risk of clinical fractures among women with osteoporosis but not among women with higher BMD.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2005

Transitional transverse acetabular fractures: differences between fractures with a large posterio-superior fragment and the inverse T-fracture--a report of 10 unusual cases.

BACKGROUND: Classification of fractures is crucial in decision making and planning of acetabular surgery. Transverse fractures with secondary vertical fracture lines--which constitute either a large posterio-superior fragment (floating dome) or an inverse T with the posterior ileum attached to the axial skeleton--have not been described in detail in the literature. METHODS: All acetabular fractures at Ullevål University Hospital have been recorded prospectively since 1993 and classified according to Judet/Letournel. RESULTS: In 10/449 fractures (2%) there was a transverse fracture line through the acetabulum, with an additional vertical fracture line ascending either to the iliac crest or the SI-joint. In 6 of these fractures the vertical line started within the acetabulum, and the posterior part of the ileum with part of the articular surface was attached to the axial skeleton. In 4 fractures the vertical fracture line started posterior to the joint, constituting a very large posterio-superior fragment without any articular surface (a floating dome). INTERPRETATION: Open reduction and internal fixation of inverse T-fractures and transverse fractures with a floating dome require different surgical approaches. The latter can be treated through a single approach alone, while the inverse T-fracture may require extensile or combined approaches for adequate reduction and fixation.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed2000

Co-ordinated multidisciplinary approaches for inpatient rehabilitation of older patients with proximal femoral fractures.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture is a major cause of morbidity in older people and its impact, both on the individual and to society, is substantial. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of co-ordinated multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation, compared with usual orthopaedic care, for older patients with hip fracture. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group trials register, Medline (up to April 1998), and reference lists of published papers and books. We also contacted colleagues and trialists. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of postsurgical care using specialised rehabilitation of mainly older patients (aged 65 years or over) with hip fracture. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial assignment to included, excluded and awaiting assessment categories, was by consensus. Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Limited additional information was sought from most trialists. As well as pooling of data from primary outcomes, supplementary analyses were performed to combine clinically relevant outcomes and investigate possible explanatory factors. MAIN RESULTS: In this minor update, one new trial is identified and has been placed in "studies awaiting assessment". Of another three trials previously pending assessment, one has now been excluded. The five included trials involved 1068 patients. The combined outcomes of death or requiring institutional care at final follow-up showed no significant difference between intervention and control groups (Peto odds ratio 0.92; 95% confidence interval 0.71 to 1.18). There was considerable heterogeneity in length of stay and cost data. Using death and deterioration in function as a further combined outcome variable yielded a Peto odds ratio of 0.83 (95% confidence interval 0.64 to 1. 07). This should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity. No quality of life measures were reported and the two trials investigating carer burden showed no detrimental effect from the intervention. The review update did not result in any new data for these outcomes. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The trials reviewed had different aims, interventions and outcomes. As a consequence, results were heterogeneous and the question of effectiveness of different types of co-ordinated inpatient rehabilitation after hip fracture cannot be answered conclusively. There is a trend to effectiveness when combined outcome variables (death and institutional care, death and deterioration in function) are considered. Future trials of postsurgical care involving inpatient rehabilitation, or other models such as 'early supported discharge' and 'hospital at home' schemes, should aim to establish both effectiveness and cost effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation overall, rather than attempt to evaluate its components.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

General versus spinal/epidural anaesthesia for surgery for hip fractures in adults.

BACKGROUND: The majority of hip fracture patients are treated surgically, requiring anaesthesia. OBJECTIVES: To compare different types of anaesthesia for surgical repair of hip fractures (proximal femoral fractures) in adults. This is primarily regional (spinal or epidural) anaesthesia versus inhalation general anaesthesia, but also includes ketamine anaesthesia versus inhalation general anaesthesia. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group trials register, Medline, selected orthopaedic and anaesthetic journals and conference proceedings, and reference lists of relevant articles. Date of the most recent search: August 1998. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing different methods of anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery in skeletally mature persons. Trials comparing the use of local nerve blocks are not considered in this review. Neither are trials using different types of drugs or techniques with one type of anaesthesia. The primary outcome was mortality. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality, using a nine item scale, and extracted data. The other two reviewers independently checked these results. Wherever appropriate and possible, results were pooled. MAIN RESULTS: Fifteen trials, involving 2162 patients, which compared regional anaesthesia with general anaesthesia, were included. All trials had methodological flaws. Regional anaesthesia was associated with a decreased mortality at one month (49/766 (6.4%) versus 76/812 (9.4%)) of borderline statistical significance (Peto odds ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.46 to 0.96)). The results for three month mortality were not statistically significant, although the confidence interval does not exclude the possibility of a clinically relevant reduction (86/726 (11.8%) versus 98/765 (12.8%), Peto odds ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.67 to 1.24). The reduced numbers at one year, coming exclusively from two studies, preclude any useful conclusions for long term mortality (80/354 (22.6%) versus 78/372 (21.0%), Peto odds ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 0.77 to 1.57). Regional anaesthesia was associated with a tendency to a longer operation (weighted mean difference 4.8 minutes, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 8.6 minutes), and a reduced risk of deep venous thrombosis (39/129 (30%) versus 61/37(76%); Peto odds ratio 0. 41, 95% confidence interval 0.23 to 0.72), although this conclusion is insecure due to possible selection bias in the subgroups in whom this outcome was measured. No other statistically significant differences in outcome were identified. There was insufficient evidence to draw any conclusions from a further two included trials, involving a total of 100 patients, which compared other types of anaesthesia. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Regional anaesthesia and general anaesthesia appear to produce comparable results for most of the outcomes studied. Regional anaesthesia may reduce short-term mortality but no conclusions can be drawn for longer term mortality.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Role of fracture hematoma and periosteum during fracture healing in rats: interaction of fracture hematoma and the periosteum in the initial step of the healing process.

To study the mechanisms of fracture healing, we investigated the interaction between fracture hematoma and periosteum during the early phase of fracture healing in rats. Experimentally induced fractures of the tibia in untreated rats were compared histologically with such fractures in rats in which either the bone marrow or the periosteum had been removed. The extent of periosteal cell proliferation and chondrogenesis in the fracture hematoma was evaluated on experimental days 3, 6, 10, and 14. On day 3, periosteal cell proliferation at the tibial fracture site was decreased in the bone marrow-removed rats compared with the proliferation in untreated rats. Little chondrogenesis in the fracture hematoma was seen through day 6 in the periosteum-removed rats. These results suggest that the periosteum is important for mediating the primary steps of chondrogenesis and enchondral ossification in the fracture hematoma and that the fracture hematoma may be essential for periosteal cell proliferation during fracture healing.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Prevalent vertebral deformities predict hip fractures and new vertebral deformities but not wrist fractures. Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group.

Although vertebral deformities are known to predict future vertebral deformities, little is known about their ability to predict other osteoporotic fractures. We examined the association between prevalent vertebral deformities and incident osteoporotic fractures in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures, a prospective study of 9704 women aged 65 years and older. Prevalent vertebral deformities were determined morphometrically from spinal radiographs at baseline and incident deformities from repeat spinal radiographs after a mean of 3.7 years. Appendicular fractures were collected by postcard every 4 months for a mean of 8.3 years. During follow-up, 389 women with new vertebral deformities, 464 with hip fractures, and 574 with wrist fractures were identified. Prevalent vertebral deformities were associated with a 5-fold increased risk (relative risk 5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4, 6.6) of sustaining a further vertebral deformity; the risk increased dramatically with both the number and severity of the prevalent deformities. Similarly, the risks of hip and any nonvertebral fractures were increased with baseline prevalent deformity, with relative risks of 2.8 (95% CI 2.3, 3.4) and 1.9 (95% CI 1.7, 2.1), respectively. Risk increased with number and severity of deformities. These associations remained significant after adjustment for age and calcaneal bone mineral density (BMD). Although there was a small increased risk of wrist fracture, this was not significant after adjusting for age and BMD. In conclusion, the presence of prevalent morphometrically defined vertebral deformities predicts future vertebral and nonvertebral fractures, including hip but not wrist fractures. Spinal radiographs identifying prevalent vertebral deformities may be a useful additional measurement to classify further a woman's risk of future fracture.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Bone-healing patterns affected by loading, fracture fragment stability, fracture type, and fracture site compression.

The major factors determining the mechanical milieu of a healing fracture are the rigidity of the selected fixation device, the fracture configuration, the accuracy of fracture reduction, and the amount and type of stresses occurring at the bone ends dictated by functional activity and loading at the fracture gap. Of the effects of these factors on fracture healing and remodeling in the canine tibia under unilateral external fixation, the two most significant factors in promoting periosteal callus formation were the amount of physiologic loading as dictated by the body weight and the presence of a significant fracture gap. Uniform axial loading and motion, performed at two or four weeks, did not increase callus formation but did reduce the existing fracture gap. The time-related diminution of periosteal callus (external remodeling) was related to the progress of cortical healing. Cortical reconstruction was fast in stable transverse fractures and delayed in unstable oblique fractures. Motion with loading tended to promote external callus maturation in secondary bone healing. Intracortical new bone formation and porosity were related to the healing pattern and not to the loading magnitude. Endosteal new bone formation showed a strong correlation with the presence of a fracture gap. In terms of torsional strength and energy absorption at failure, the fractures healing through a combination of primary and secondary bone union mechanisms showed the mechanical strength of the healing bone closest to intact bone.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

[An infantile skull fracture followed by the enlarging of the fracture line ("enlarging skull fracture") (author's transl)].

We experience sometimes an infantile skull fracture which is followed by the skull fracture line and bulging of the fractured area day by day after the head injury. Since John Howship reported the case of the partial absorption of the right parietal bone, arising from a blow on the head in a child aged 9 month in 1816, this phenomenon was variously described meningocele spuria, traumatic cephalohydrocele, leptomeningeal cyst, fibrosing osteitis, cerebrocranial erosion, traumatic meningocele, die wachsende Schädelfrakture, growing skull fracture, etc. So called "growing skull fracture" has generally the triad of the symptoms which are the parietal skull fracture in infancy or childhood, traumatic dural tears, and subsequent enlargement of the fractures. And it is said that the dural tear is an indispensable condition for the developing of the "growing skull fracture". But we recently had the case of a 14 day old male infant who had neither traumatic dural tear nor subdural hematoma, but the progressive enlarging of the fracture line in the left parietal bone. The authors suggest that there should be the difference between the growing skull fracture (with the dural teat) and the enlarging skull fracture (without the dural tear).

Fractures, Ununited↗
PubMed2000

The clavicular fracture: a biomechanical study of the mechanism of clavicular fracture and modes of the fracture.

A clavicle is an S-shaped long bone whose biomechanical behavior is unlike that of a straight tubular long bone. When a clavicle is under a compression load along the axis, the force produces a middle one-third clavicular fracture. The present study is a biomechanical study to confirm the clinical observations of the mechanism of the fracture and to discover the tension site and compression site of the fracture, using 12 fresh cadaveric clavicles, a universal testing machine and two special grips. One grip was constructed with a contour like a sternoclavicular articulation. The grip was mounted at the medial end of the clavicle. Another grip was constructed with a contour like an acromioclavicular articulation. The grip was mounted at the lateral end of the clavicle. A load was applied to the lateral clavicle like a force transmitting from the weight of the shoulder girdle. A load was also applied to the medial clavicle like a force from the sternocleidomastoid muscle. A compression load was applied along the axis of the testing clavicle through the upper grips by using a universal testing machine. The result found that the average load of the clavicular fracture was 1526.19 N. The fracture occurred at the middle one-third of the clavicle in the region of the curve of the lateral clavicle changing to the curve of the medial clavicle. While primatic cross section of the clavicle at the fracture site determined a tension and a compression site of the fracture, the fracture took the superoanterior aspect of the clavicle as a tension site and posteroinferior aspect as a compression site. The fracture had a ratio of length of the lateral fragment to the total length of the clavicle of 0.49. This study confirmed that a compression load along the axis of the clavicle produces a middle one-third clavicular fracture as in clinical observation and the fracture took the superoanterior aspect of the clavicle as a tension site.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Clarifying proximal diaphyseal fifth metatarsal fractures. The acute fracture versus the stress fracture.

This article discusses the classification and treatment of proximal diaphyseal fifth metatarsal fractures. There are two types of proximal diaphyseal fracture of the fifth metatarsal: the acute proximal diaphyseal fracture and the proximal diaphyseal stress fracture. Confusion between the two types of fractures is probably due to their similar location and the historical practice of referring to all fractures in this location as Jones fractures. Both fractures are prone to delayed union and require long periods of nonweightbearing immobilization or internal fixation for healing. However, because the mechanism of injury is different for each fracture, the treatment plan may need to be tailored to the particular type of fracture.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Influence of age, sex, fracture type and pre-fracture living on rehabilitation pattern after hip fracture in the elderly.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of background factors on the rehabilitation pattern after a hip fracture in the elderly. METHOD: Prospective registration based on the Swedish national register for hip fracture patients called RIKSHOFT/SAHFE (Standardised Audit of Hip Fractures in Europe). The place of living was registered both before fracture and during the following four months period (120 days). Graphs were calculated and drawn based on day-to-day changes. Also influences of age, sex, fracture type and type of operation were analyzed. RESULTS: The patient's pre-fracture functional capacity as evidence by the place they were able to manage to live before the fracture was the most discriminating factor for the rehabilitation; more than sex, fracture type or type of operation. Age was also a highly discriminating factor with a pronounced influence on the rehabilitation pattern. CONCLUSIONS: These background parameters are very important factors when planning the rehabilitation of hip fracture patients. A strategy with individualized planning of the rehabilitation procedure will be highly necessary in the future, in view of the increasing amount of elderly with hip fractures prognosticated during the coming decades. The knowledge about influencing factors here presented will be useful when planning and performing the rehabilitation for this resource-consuming group of patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Prospective evaluation of a pragmatic treatment rationale: open reduction and internal fixation of displaced and dislocated condyle and condylar head fractures and closed reduction of non-displaced, non-dislocated fractures Part II: high condylar and condylar head fractures.

This study prospectively evaluated closed reduction (CR) outcomes in non-displaced, non-dislocated high-condylar and condylar-head fractures (Class VI after Spiessl and Schroll) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced (Class III) or dislocated (Class V) fractures. Thirty-eight patients with 54 fractures (16 (42%) with bilateral fractures, 14 (37%) CR, 24 (63%) ORIF) were enrolled in a 1 year follow-up that 18 patients with 33 fractures completed. Condylar translation in Class VI fractures recovered to 11 mm for vertical opening, 8mm for protrusion and 10 mm for mediotrusion; Class III synonymously 8 mm, 8 mm and 6 mm; and Class V 7 mm, 6mm and 7 mm; incisal movements recovered to 38 mm, 8 mm and 8 mm in Class VI; 55 mm, 7 mm and 10 mm in Class III with 1 (8%) malocclusion, 1 (8%) impaired vertical opening and 55 mm, 7 mm and 9 mm in Class V with 2 (18%) malocclusions. Fragment-reduction versus the non-fractured condyle was -0.3 mm to +1.3 mm and +3 degrees to +9 degrees in Class VI, -1 mm to -0.2 mm and +3 degrees to +2 degrees in Class III, -3.3 mm to +3.1 mm and -11.2 degrees to +1 degrees in Class V. Malocclusion and joint locking were unreliable determinants for a treatment decision, being forged by concomitant fractures. Joint movements were within normal range at 1-year follow-up except Classes III and V vertical opening translation. After predefined criteria, 92% successful outcomes were attained. Multiple factor analysis should be used to prospectively evaluate the unacceptable clinical outcomes. Class VI fractures with intact vertical support should prospectively be evaluated whether these benefit from ORIF.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Prospective evaluation of a pragmatic treatment rationale: open reduction and internal fixation of displaced and dislocated condyle and condylar head fractures and closed reduction of non-displaced, non-dislocated fractures. Part I: condyle and subcondylar fractures.

This prospective study evaluated outcomes of closed reduction (CR) in non-displaced, non-dislocated condyle and subcondylar fractures (Class I) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced (Class II) and dislocated (Class IV) fractures. Forty-five patients with 51 fractures (six (13%) with bilateral fractures), 11 (25%) CR and 34 (75%) ORIF, were enrolled in a 1-year follow up that 20 patients with 25 fractures completed. Condylar translation in Class I fractures recovered to 12mm for vertical opening, 9mm for protrusion, 8mm for mediotrusion; in Class II, respectively, 10, 7 and 9mm; and Class IV, respectively, 8, 7 and 7mm. Incisal movements recovered to 46, 8 and 9mm in Class I; 44, 7 and 9mm in Class II; and 43, 5 and 7mm in Class IV. Vertical and angular fragment reduction versus the non-fractured condyle was +0.3 to -1.9mm, +1.1 degrees to +1.8 degrees in Class I; -2.2 to -1.9mm, +0.6 degrees to -1.2 degrees in Class II; +2.9 to -1.1mm, +18.4 degrees to +6 degrees in Class IV. Malocclusion and joint locking were unreliable determinants for a treatment decision, being forged by concomitant fractures. All complications subsided after 6 months; translation and incisal movements returned to within the normal range in proportion to the severity of displacement and dislocation. Vertical opening translation in Class IV fractures remained short-to-normal and was compensated by rotation. Unacceptable clinical function according to predefined standards was not found after 1 year. Angular reposition was better than vertical reduction. This study documents successful evidence-based treatment according to predefined criteria.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Magnetic resonance tomography in the diagnosis of intra-articular tibial plateau fractures: value of fracture classification and spectrum of fracture associated soft tissue injuries].

PURPOSE: To compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray tomography in assessing the type of fracture, degree of comminution and amount of articular surface depression in acute tibial condylar fractures and to describe the associated soft tissue injuries diagnosed with MRI. METHOD: 27 patients with acute tibial plateau fractures were investigated using linear X-ray tomography and MRI employing T1-weighted and proton density turbo spin echo, STIR, and T2-weighted gradient echo images. Fractures were classified according to the AO classification system. The degrees of depression and comminution were measured and soft tissue injuries were recorded. RESULTS: Fractures were classified as type B1 in 7, as B2 in 6, and as B3 in 6 cases by MRI. More complex C-type fractures were diagnosed in 8 cases. MR and X-ray grading were consistent with the exception of two B3 fractures, which were graded as B1 by X-ray tomography. X-ray tomography under-estimated the degree of comminution 63% of the patients had either meniscal tears or complete ruptures of their cruciate or collateral ligaments. Ten meniscal tears were diagnosed in 9 of 27 patients. Complete tears of the anterior cruciate ligament were seen in 4, and avulsions of the posterior cruciate ligament in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: MRI allows a detailed assessment of acute tibial plateau fractures and can replace conventional X-ray tomography. The high rate of fracture-associated soft tissue lesions makes MRI an especially valuable tool.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Clinical study on mandibular condylar fracture. 1. Retrospective study in 100 patients with 130 temporomandibular joint fractures with special consideration in the treatment for the various locations and forms of the fractures].

Clinical retrospective investigation was conducted on mandibular condylar fractures of 100 hospitalized cases at the Department of Oral Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital during the period from 1973 to 1983. The following results were obtained, 1. There were 74 males and 26 females. The age of the patients at the time of injury ranged from 4 to 78 years old. The average age was 28.1 years old. 2. Twenty-six patients were treated within a week of injury, 22 cases within 2-weeks and 33 cases were treated after more tham 3 weeks. 3. Of the 100 cases, 70 were unilateral fractures and 30 were bilateral. The incidence of the concomitant fractures of the mandible were higher in bilateral than in unilateral condylar fractures. 4. On fracture level and form 130-site in 100 patients were divided according to the classification of Maclennan and Kubo. Dislocated and high condylar fractures were most frequently observed. 5. Surgical reduction was mainly achieved in low neck fracture, and the contrary conservative treatment was observed in the higher level fracture. On the other hand condylectomy was infrequently indicated in the dislocated head fracture.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Thoracic and lumbar fractures associated with femoral shaft fractures in the multiple trauma patient. Occult presentations and implications for femoral fracture stabilization.

Two-hundred-and-one patients with femoral shaft fractures were identified in a 5 year period at three institutions. Seven patients (3.5%) were found to have associated thoracic or lumbar fractures of various types. All resulted from high-velocity trauma. Four (57%) of these patients had thoracic or lumbar fractures that were undiagnosed on admission and before femoral fracture stabilization. A neurologic deficit persisted in four patients, and the possible contribution of femoral intramedullary rodding with positioning and traction must be considered. A high index of suspicion for thoracic and lumbar fractures is required when evaluating the high velocity trauma patient with a femoral shaft fracture. Presence of the thoracic or lumbar fracture may require initial spine stabilization or alter the method of femoral fracture treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The epidemiology of elbow fracture in children: analysis of 355 fractures, with special reference to supracondylar humerus fractures.

We present a study of the pattern of elbow fractures in children under 15 years of age, during a 5-year period, with special reference to supracondylar humerus fractures. The incidence was 308/100 000 per year; 58% of the children had a fracture in the supracondylar area of the humerus. There were 355 elbow fractures, and there were 164 boys (46%) and 191 girls (54%). The mean age for the entire group was 7.9 years (for boys, 7.2 years; for girls, 8.5 years). Of 209 supracondylar fractures (including 5 combination fractures), 134 were type I, 40 were type II, and 35 were type III (as classified by Gartland). Associated temporary nerve injuries involving the median, radial, and ulnar nerves were seen in 15 patients with type III supracondylar fractures. Associated brachial artery injuries were seen in 6 patients, 5 of whom had type III fractures.

Adolescent↗