Neurovascular Complications of Distal Humerus Fractures in Children

Introduction: Distal humerus fractures represents a common pathology in paediatric traumatology that can result in neurovascular injuries, which can be serious and require prompt medical attention. Most common complications noted are Brachial Artery Injury and Median Nerve Injury.

Objective: To determine the total number and frequency of neurovascular complications in distal humerus fractures on a period of 6 years in County Emergency Hospital of Constanta.

Material and methods: A cohort study was conducted in patients under 16 years old from 2017 to 2022. Children with pathologic fractures were excluded from this study.

Results: We diagnosed 9 patients out of 165 with nerve injuries, out of which 6 (3.6%) had Median Nerve Injury and 2 (1.2%) had Ulnar Nerve Injury, mostly in children aged 10 or less. We identified 4 (2.4%) children with brachial artery injury.

Conclusions: It is important for healthcare providers to carefully assess and monitor patients with humerus supracondylar fractures to identify and manage any potential complications. Treatment may involve immobilisation, closed reduction or surgical interventions depending on the severity of the fracture and associated complications.