THE OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF PERIARTICULAR FRACTURES WITH CANNULATED HERBERT SCREWS IN ADOLESCENT PATIENTS

Abstract

Aim: To assess outcome in adolescent periarticular fractures treated with cannulated Herbert screws. Patients and methods: During the period November 99–March 02, twenty nine adolescent patients were admitted to our department with the diagnosis of a periarticular fracture. All patients were male, 12–17 years old (average 15 years). All fractures were treated with cannulated Herbert screws. Twelve of these were fractures of the elbow, 6 of the knee and 11 of the ankle. All the fractures were treated with internal fixation. All patients underwent preoperative CT scan with 2-D reconstruction.

In all the cases the anatomical reduction was achieved and cannulated Herbert screws were applied with respect to the epiphyseal plate through minimal surgical incision..

The follow up period varied from one to six months, while all patients followed a rehabilitation program.

Results: All fractures healed well, without any reduction of the joint mobility or other postoperative complications.

Conclusions: Internal fixation of adolescent periarticular fractures with cannulated Herbert screws, can be considered as a useful method of treatment, since the anatomical reduction obtained, can be held with a very small operative incision, while the epiphyseal plate is respected.