CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND COMPLICATION PROFILE OF DELAYED PRESENTATION IN PEDIATRIC SUPRACONDYLAR HUMERUS FRACTURES

Abstract

Objective: To determine the clinical outcomes and complication profile of delayed presentation in pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. Methods: The descriptive case series was carried out in the Orthopedic Ward and Trauma Center of DHQ Teaching Hospital, Deras Ismail Khan, from January 2024 to July 2025. Children aged 2–14 years with supracondylar humerus fractures who presented more than 24 hours after injury were consecutively sampled into the study (n = 171). All data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, and a p-value <0.05 was defined as statistically significant. Results: In the present study, the mean age of participants was 7.8 ± 2.6 years, with a greater male predominance. The most common mechanism of injury was during a fall while playing, and the most common fracture was a Gartland type III fracture. Most patients were treated by closed reduction with percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation, while one third underwent open reduction. In almost all cases, fracture union occurred. The most frequent postoperative complications were pin tract infection and elbow stiffness. Conclusion: Appropriate surgical management of delayed supracondylar humerus fractures can provide satisfactory clinical and functional results, despite the added operative complexity. Prompt treatment and early referral are crucial to reduce complications and to maximize recovery.