Pediatric medial humeral epicondyle fracture in children: Are biodegradable pins with tension band absorbable sutures efficient?. Issue 30 (29th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kassai, Tamás; Varga, Marcell; Józsa, Gergő
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 101:Issue 30(2022)
• Page Start: e29817
• Publication Date: 2022-07-29
• Subjects: absorbable implants -- children -- elbow -- fractures -- PLGA; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Geneeskunde; Medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029817
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-7974

Abstract

Abstract : Medial humeral epicondyle fractures account for 10% to 20% of elbow injuries in children. We hypothesized that in the fixation of medial humeral epicondyle fractures, safety and efficiency of bioabsorbable poly(l -lactide-co-glycolic acid) implant are comparable to traditional metallic and other novel approaches. A retrospective cohort study was performed between 2016 and 2019, analyzing 24 children who had medial humeral epicondyle fractures. Every fracture was stabilized with biodegradable poly(l -lactide-co-glycolic acid) implants (Bioretec ® ActivaPin ® ) and tension band polydioxanone sutures. Indications for surgery included closed fractures with >1 cm dislocation and incarcerated fractures. Postoperatively, the degree of anatomic reduction and the presence or absence of nonunion or fragmentation were confirmed with X-rays. In this clinical study, we evaluated the operation time, age, and gender distribution. The mean age at the time of injury was 12.3 (8–16 years). In the fourth week, every patient's X-ray showed callus formation, and the range of motion of the elbow after 6 months of the operation was almost complete in all children. Transient ulnar nerve palsy was developed in 1 patient, which was spontaneously resolved in the fourth postoperative month. No other complications were observed during the average follow-up period of 34 months (16–60 months). Bioabsorbable pins with absorbable sutures are a good alternative treatment of medial epicondyle humeral fracture. No permanent complications were noted while using this technique. We suggest this method because it does not require a secondary (metal removal) operation.