Median Nerve Palsy in Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures Recovers Faster With Open Than Closed Reduction

Abstract

Background: Management of supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHF) with coexisting median nerve injury is controversial. Although many nerve injuries improve with the reduction and stabilization of the fracture, the speed and completeness of recovery are unclear. This study investigates median nerve recovery time using the serial examination. Methods: A prospectively maintained database of SCHF-related nerve injuries referred to a tertiary hand therapy unit between 2017 and 2021 was interrogated. Factors related to the injury (vascularity, Gartland grade, open vs. closed fracture) and treatment (fixation modality, adequacy, timing of reduction, vascular and nerve intervention, and secondary pr..