Article

Supracondylar humeral fractures are common in children. We studied
long-term ulnar nerve symptoms secondary to these fractures and analyzed the
treatment for ulnar neuropathy. METHODS: The cohort included 91
patients with a supracondylar humeral fracture in childhood, on average 12 years
previously, in the geographic catchment area. All the cases were reexamined in
regard to ulnar nerve morbidity. Cases with secondary ulnar neuropathy were
treated nonoperatively and operatively. RESULTS: Ulnar neuropathy was present in
four cases (4.4 %). They all had suffered from a dislocated fracture, and they
had been operated primarily. Another three patients had slight ulnar nerve
symptoms. Hence, the total prevalence of secondary ulnar nerve morbidity was 7.7
%. A jumping nerve was seen in 9.9 %; 51.6 % had a diminished axial angle.
CONCLUSIONS: We report a defined pattern of long-term ulnar nerve morbidity after
pediatric supracondylar humeral fracture. The prevalence of neuropathy is
alarming in the young population (<25 years of age).

Langue : ANGLAIS