Long-term review of fifty-two displaced supracondylar humeral fractures
in children treated by open reduction and crossed Kirschner-wire fixation
demonstrated functional results similar to those obtained by closed
methods, but fewer and milder cases of cubitus varus deformity (only 25 per
cent of patients). The deformity appeared to result from faulty reduction
with medial angulation of the distal fragment. Surgical treatment of these
fractures may offer, as its principal advantages: reduced hospitalization
time, fewer sequelae, more stable fixation, and slightly better anatomical
results. No infections or other specific complications (such as myositis
ossificans or Volkmann's contracture) were encountered.