Epidemiology, management patterns, and complication profile of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures in Makkah: A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND Supracondylar humerus fractures are common elbow injuries in children; however, epidemiological and clinical data from Saudi Arabia are limited. AIM To describe the epidemiology, management strategies, and early clinical outcomes of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures treated in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 399 children treated for supracondylar humerus fractures from January 2021 to March 2025. Data collected included age, sex, fracture laterality, Gartland classification, fixation method, length of hospital stay, timing of cast removal, rehabilitation, and complications. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of complications, nerve injury, and prolonged hospitalization. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 5.8 years, and 54.1% were male. Fractures mostly involved the left arm (63.4%) and were classified as Gartland type III (54.9%) or type II (41.9%). Lateral entry pin fixation was used in 36.8% of cases, whereas cross-pin fixation was used in 32.1%. The median duration of hospitalization was 2 days, and three-quarters of patients were discharged within 3 days. Cast removal and rehabilitation were typically started 4 weeks after treatment. Complications were rare (5.5%), with ulnar neuropathy being the most frequent complication (2.5%). Logistic regression analysis did not identify any significant predictors of complications, nerve injury, or prolonged hospitalization. CONCLUSION Pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures in Makkah predominantly affect young Saudi children and commonly involve the left arm, with a displaced extension-type fracture pattern. Percutaneous lateral-entry pinning provided stable fixation and was associated with low complication rates and short hospital stays. No significant predictors of adverse outcomes were identified.