Evaluation of enhanced recovery after surgery care in postoperative rehabilitation of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures: A retrospective cohort study

Pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures can lead to joint stiffness, muscle contractures, and functional limitations, severely affecting children's quality of life. This study evaluates the impact of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) care program on postoperative rehabilitation in such fractures. In this retrospective cohort study, 100 children who underwent surgery for supracondylar humerus fractures between March 2021 and May 2024 were divided into 2 groups: an ERAS care group (n = 50) and a conventional care group (n = 50) based on the nursing protocols received. The outcomes measured included pain scores (visual analog scale), postoperative hospitalization time, complication rates, elbow function recovery (Flynn score), and nursing satisfaction. The ERAS group demonstrated significantly lower pain scores at 3 and 7 days postoperatively (P < .05), with no significant difference at 24 hours postoperatively (P > .05). Additionally, the ERAS group had significantly better outcomes in postoperative hospitalization time, total complication rates, elbow function recovery, and nursing satisfaction compared to the conventional care group (P < .05). This study indicates that the ERAS nursing program effectively promotes postoperative rehabilitation in pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures and holds significant clinical value. Future studies should explore the effects and mechanisms of ERAS care in larger prospective cohorts.