Reduction and percutaneous pinning of these troublesome fractures provided stability, vascular safety, simplified management, reduced hospital stay, and consistently satisfactory appearance and function of the elbow in 72 patients. Difficulty in mastering the technique was the only major disadvantage, and was overcome by using a simple holding bracket during the pinning. Varus deformity was prevented by avoiding medial tilt of the distal fragment. Our long-term study showed that the fixation pins do not disturb the growth potential of the distal end of the humerus. Cubitus varus, when it occurred, was a result of imperfect reduction rather than growth disturbance. In 52 fractures on long-term follow-up, satisfactory results were recorded in 98 per cent. Vascular and neural complications were minor, and no Volkmann's contractures were seen.
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Reduction and percutaneous pinning of these troublesome fractures provided stability, vascular safety, simplified management, reduced hospital stay, and consistently satisfactory appearance and function of the elbow in 72 patients. Difficulty in mastering the technique was the only major disadvantage, and was overcome by using a simple holding bracket during the pinning. Varus deformity was prevented by avoiding medial tilt of the distal fragment. Our long-term study showed that the fixation pins do not disturb the growth potential of the distal end of the humerus. Cubitus varus, when it occurred, was a result of imperfect reduction rather than growth disturbance. In 52 fractures on long-term follow-up, satisfactory results were recorded in 98 per cent. Vascular and neural complications were minor, and no Volkmann's contractures were seen.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.