Vascular compromise associated with supracondylar fractures in children

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to study the significance of persistently absent radial pulse, with monophasic doppler flow after close reduction percutaneous pinning of displaced supracondylar fracture of humerus, and the need of early exploration of brachial artery in such cases.

METHODS: Between July 1992 and 1999, 86 children with Grade III supracondylar fracture of humerus were treated at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia The history, physical examination, vascular status of limb before and after close reduction percutaneous pinning of fracture were recorded. All children having persistently absent radial pulse and monophasic flow doppler signals after close reduction percutaneous pinning under went exploration of brachial artery.

RESULTS: Of the 86 children with Grade III supracondylar fracture of humerus, 6 had persistently absent radial pulse with monophasic flow doppler signals after close reduction percutaneous pinning. Five children had one warm pink well perfused hand and one cold pale poorly perfused hand. All 6 under went exploration of brachial artery and were found to have entrapped artery at the fracture site. There was an immediate return of radial pulse with triphasic Doppler flow on release of brachial artery.

CONCLUSION: Persistently absent radial pulse with objectivity, obtained by doppler ultrasound in the form of absent or monophasic flow in radial artery, is a reliable indicator of vascular compromise. Surgical exploration of brachial artery by a competent surgeon is to be carried out to avoid early and late complication, of pulseless limb in children with displaced supracondylar fracture of humerus.