Experience and volume are determinantive factors for operative management of supracondylar humeral fractures in children

We compared radiographic and operative results of pediatric patients undergoing surgical treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fracture (SCHF) according to the surgeon's experience. During an 11-year period (2006-2016), we reviewed the medical records of 236 patients operated on for Gartland III SCHF in our institution. Operative (operative time, time to implants removal) and radiographic parameters (Baumann and lateral capitellohumeral angles) were assessed. A malalignment was defined if there was a difference in the Baumann angle or lateral capitellohumeral angles >15° or if malrotation existed compared with normative values. We compared surgeon experience and volume (number of patients operated on by year). In patients operated on by less experienced surgeons (