Background and aim. During childhood, elbow frames are the fractures which are most likely to cause subsequent complications. Not all the complications observed are followed by sequelae provided treatment is adequate. The most common sequelae are those affecting the bone (axial deviations, joint restriction, etc.) followed in the long term by the sequelae of vasculo-nervous lesions. It is important not to understimate ingravescent nervous damage caused by the progressive stretching of the ulnar nerve due to valgus deviation of the elbow. Methods. A retrospective study was made of the cases of elbow fracture (1168) observed over 20 years. Clinical records showed that complications or sequelae were recorded in 126 patients. Ninety-two were monitored with a mean follow-up of 6 years after the end of treatment. Results. Complications represented 12.07% and sequelae 1.11%. Among the complications, those affecting the skeleton accounted for 68.08%, nervous structures 29.07% and vascular structures 0.28%. Conclusions. From this comparison between complications and sequelae, it can be affirmed that sequelae (skeletal deformities, secondary nervous deficiencies) are always correlated with the failed recognition of a lesion or its underestimation, inappropriate treatment, or are the result of growth disorders.
Complications and sequelae of elbow fractures in childhood [Complicanze ed esiti delle fratture del gomito nell'eta pediatrica]
FRANCHIN, FRANCESCO MARIA;
1998-01-01
Abstract
Background and aim. During childhood, elbow frames are the fractures which are most likely to cause subsequent complications. Not all the complications observed are followed by sequelae provided treatment is adequate. The most common sequelae are those affecting the bone (axial deviations, joint restriction, etc.) followed in the long term by the sequelae of vasculo-nervous lesions. It is important not to understimate ingravescent nervous damage caused by the progressive stretching of the ulnar nerve due to valgus deviation of the elbow. Methods. A retrospective study was made of the cases of elbow fracture (1168) observed over 20 years. Clinical records showed that complications or sequelae were recorded in 126 patients. Ninety-two were monitored with a mean follow-up of 6 years after the end of treatment. Results. Complications represented 12.07% and sequelae 1.11%. Among the complications, those affecting the skeleton accounted for 68.08%, nervous structures 29.07% and vascular structures 0.28%. Conclusions. From this comparison between complications and sequelae, it can be affirmed that sequelae (skeletal deformities, secondary nervous deficiencies) are always correlated with the failed recognition of a lesion or its underestimation, inappropriate treatment, or are the result of growth disorders.
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