A clinical study of closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation of displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus in children

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are the most common fracture pattern of the elbow in children. Displaced supracondylar fractures are notorious for difficulty in reduction, maintenance of reduction and frequent involvement of neurovascular structures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of stabilization of these fractures by closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Thirty cases of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures were included in the study. The mean age of the patient was 8.3 years [ranges from 4-14 years]. The male to female ratio was 2:1 and left side was involved in 23 cases whereas 7 had right sided injuries. All fractures were of extension type [Gartland’s type III]. Posteromedial displacement was noted in 22 cases whereas 8 fractures were posterolaterally displaced. In 20 cases, lateral entry wires alone were used whereas in 10 cases one lateral and one medial K-wire were used. K- wires were removed after 3 weeks post-operatively and follow-up was done at 6 weeks,12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months, when they were evaluated according to Flynn’s criteria.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Results were graded using Flynn’s criteria. Excellent results were achieved in 18 [60%], good in 6 [20%] fair in 4 [13.3%], while poor results were seen in 2 [6.7%] patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation using Kirschner wires is a safe and efficient method for fixation of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. </p>