Medical Consultation Day

A small friend came to my consultation after having operated on a supracondilea fracture of humerus (at the level of the elbow) his recovery has been great and with great progress for his mobility, just a couple of weeks to remove these wires and that again reincorporate to all the activities that children know how to do: play and be happy.

A supracondylar fracture is defined as the loss of continuity of the distal metaphysis of the humerus, above the condyles and proximal to the physiological line. It represents 3-16% of all fractures in children, surpassed only by the distal radius fracture; in addition, it is the most frequent elbow fracture in children and adolescents. Its highest incidence occurs in the immature skeleton, so its peak is in the first decade of life, between 5 and 8 years of age.

The supracondylar fracture of the humerus is classified according to its mechanism of production in: fracture in extension or flexion. The extension fracture occurs when the patient falls and rests on the hand with the elbow in hyperextension, while the fracture in flexion occurs when the child falls on the elbow and is in flexion.

The classification of fractures into extension most used at present, is proposed by Gartland and is classified into:

Type I - not displaced
Type II - displaced but with posterior cortex intact
Type III - displaced with loss of contact of the posterior cortex, these are subdivided into type III-A when the displacement is posteromedial and III-B when it is posterolateral.

The traumatic supracondilea fracture of the distal 1/3 of the humerus presents, from a physiotherapeutic point of view, a complex system of therapeutic approach due mainly to the effects produced by the habitual prolonged immobilization. This factor has a decisive influence on the formation of a disordered, atrophied and viscous scar tissue in the area, which will limit normal movement.

The physiotherapy protocol presented is based on the structured use of Percutaneous Intratisular Electrolysis EPI®, Manual Therapy and the progressive development of strength and muscle power in Eccentric Contraction to achieve full recovery of joint function and full recovery.

If you need recommendations or help in orthopedic surgery and traumatology do not hesitate to contact me.