Management of Vascular Complications in Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

Management of Vascular Complications in Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

• To determine the incidence and types of vascular injuries associated with pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.
• Identify outcomes of different management strategies
• Identify risk factors for vascular injury

Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common elbow fractures in children. Because the brachial artery lies anterior to the distal humerus, displaced fractures can cause:

Arterial spasm, Intimal injury, Thrombosis, Entrapment or transection) Vascular injury risk increases significantly with higher Gartland classifications of supracondylar humerus fractures, peaking in Type III and Type IV injuries.

Vascular compromise can lead to ischemia, compartment syndrome, and long-term functional deficits if not promptly identified and treated.

The decision-making around "pink pulseless hand" remains controversial Some centers advocate observation after reduction, while others recommend early exploration.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ● Children Diagnosed with supracondylar humerus fracture (Gartland I-IV) aged under 15 years.

  • Presented within 1st 48 hrs of injury.

Exclusion Criteria:

• ● Old trauma >48 hours

  • Previous vascular intervention in the same limb
  • Another fracture in the same limb