Functional outcome and quality of life following supracondylar fracture of the humerus in a paediatric population

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the quality of life and functional outcome following supracondylar fracture of the humerus of the paediatric population within the state of Pahang, Malaysia. Forty paediatric patients (hereinafter may also be referred to as “children”) who have sustained a supracondylar fracture of the humerus were recruited. A standard proforma for data collection is used and administered to these children and their respective parents. The demographic data such as age, gender, race, hospital identification number and home address is recorded. Parents’ occupation, level of education and household income is also obtained to give us a rough idea of their social background that will be assessed to ascertain its link to a child’s recovery progress. Patient’s quality of life was assessed using the Paeds QoL 4.0 Generic core scales at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks interval. Patients functional outcome was assessed using the Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI) at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks post trauma. Factors found to be associated with poorer outcome were overweight children, and children of parent with high income There was a significant improvement in QoL and Mayo Elbow performance Index scores between 6weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months post injury. Physical function is almost normal at 6 months post injury however quality of life remains lower than age-matched norms at 6 months post injury. It is unclear whether this represents a plateau in recovery or whether further improvements can be expected over longer time intervals.