- Podcast
- 26/02/2024
- UK
Managing Displaced Fractures Of The Medial Humeral Epicondyle In Children
Description
This podcast episode for March features Andrew Duckworth hosting a discussion focused on the management of displaced fractures of the medial humeral epicondyle in children. Andrew welcomes consultant pediatric orthopedic surgeon Mr. David Ferguson and specialty editor for pediatrics Professor Dan Perry. The conversation begins with the authors reflecting on their training experiences regarding the inconsistent management of these injuries.
The discussion delves into how the management opinions have evolved over time, highlighting the variation in approaches due to differing beliefs and family expectations regarding surgical intervention. David and Dan describe the challenges faced by surgeons concerning operative fixation, emphasizing that absolute indications for surgery, such as open fractures, are quite rare. They stress the importance of evidence-based practice and the need for clarity in treatment protocols.
The podcast introduces the SCIENCE trial (Surgery or Cast for Injuries of the EpicoNdyle in Children’s Elbows), an international randomized control trial investigating whether surgery or non-operative management is superior for these specific fractures. The expected outcomes will be evaluated over time, providing long-term data on the effectiveness of each management style. The episode concludes with a call for collaboration and research in pediatric orthopedics, celebrating the community's efforts in advancing surgical science.