Buried vs. Exposed K-wire Fixation in Lateral Condyle Distal Humerus Fractures in Children

Abstract

Introduction: Distal humerus lateral condyle fractures are common injuries in childhood and need effective treatment to prevent complications. Open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner (K) wires is a proven, cost-effective and convenient technique for treating pediatric lateral condyle distal humeral fractures. K-wires may be buried beneath the skin or inserted through the skin with the wire ends exposed. There is no clear consensus as to whether K-wires should be buried or left exposed outside the skin. The aim of this study to compare the results and complications of divergent buried and non-buried K-wires in the treatment of lateral condyle fractures of the distal humerus. Methods: A study was conducted between March 2019 to August 2020 in 32 pediatric patients with lateral condyle fractures of distal humerus who were treated with open reduction with divergent k-wire fixation in our hospital. All patients under the age of 14 years presenting with lateral condyle humerus fractures with more than 2 mm displacement were included in the study. The exclusion criteria were open fractures, undisplaced fractures treated conservatively, and pathological fractures. Results: 32 patients under the age of 14 years were included in this study and were divided into two groups (Buried K-wire group and Exposed K-wire group) based on the treatment they received. Out of the 16 cases with exposed wires, 2 cases had superficial pin tract infection. And out of 16 cases with buried wires, 3 cases developed an infection, and 5 cases had skin erosion. However, no case of severe infection was seen. No cases of non-union were seen and all patients returned to preinjury function.