Retrospective observational study comparing treatment options in salter and harris type iii epiphyseal fractures

Abstract

Background: The treatment of Salter & Harris type III epiphyseal fractures remains controversial. Methods: We undertook a retrospective observational study to compare effectiveness, safety and duration between non-operative treatment and ORIF (opened reduction and internal fixation) with K wires for Salter & Harris type III epiphyseal fractures in male and female children. A total number of 93 children from the database of one hospital center, Hospital Doctor Peset, Valencia were considered with the diagnosis of Salter & Harris type III epiphyseal fracture with their respective treatment and its duration. Results: According to the data that was collected and at the end of the follow-up period, patients who underwent non-operative treatment recovered significantly shorter period of time than those patients who underwent operative. Conclusion: Patients who underwent non-operative treatment had led to a shorter recovery period in comparison to those who underwent operative treatment. The recovery for both treatment groups was good. The use of K wires for surgical treatment is a safe and reliable intervention and should be considered for patients who sustain this injury.