Assessment of functional and radiological outcomes of closed reduction and K-wire fixation of supracondylar fracture of humerus in children

Abstract

: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are commonly seen in children and are difficult to manage because of their unstable nature. It is difficult to maintain the reduction with splints. Non-operative treatment is associated with malunion and open reduction is more invasive procedure. Closed reduction of the fracture with percutaneous K-wire fixation is the preferred procedure with satisfactory results. : Children who came to the tertiary care hospital with a fracture in the supracondylar region following history of trauma to the elbow region and X-ray showing Gartland Type II and extension Type III fractures were included in this study. All these fractures were managed with closed reduction and fixation with K-wires inserted by percutaneous technique. Functional outcome and radiological union were noted.: A total of 35 children were operated. About half of the study population were in the range of 6 to 8 years. Majority of study subjects were boys. The average time period between sustaining a fracture and surgical procedure was 1.35 ± 0.48 days. The final results of this treatment modality were graded based on Flynn’s criteria and about 94.28% of study subjects had excellent to good outcomes. One child had complication of superficial pin tract infection.: Displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus can be effectively managed with closed reduction and percutaneous criss-cross K-wire fixation. This procedure does not disturb the normal fracture healing process.