Supracondylar fractures of the humerus have historically been treated as an emergency case and operated on at the earliest opportunity. We undertook a study to examine whether surgical timing affects the need for open reduction or peri-operative complications in the type III injuries.

Between August 1995 and August 2004, 534 patients presented and were referred to our unit with these fractures. Those with closed, type III injuries without vascular compromise were selected (171 patients). These were divided into 2 groups: those undergoing surgery less than 8 hours from presentation (126 patients) and those undergoing surgery more than 8 hours from presentation (45 patients).

The two major differences between the two groups were: the delayed group were more likely to undergo open reduction (33.3% v 11.2%, p<0.05) and the mean length of the surgical procedure was increased (105.1 minutes v 69.2 minutes, p<0.05). Delay in treatment of the type III supracondylar fractures is associated with an increased need for open reduction and a longer procedure. We would recommend treating these injuries at the earliest opportunity.