CROSSED PINNING VERSUS TWO LATERAL WIRES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DISPLACED SUPRACONDYLAR HUMERUS FRACTURES IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Introduction: Closed reduction of supracondylar humerus fractures with K-wires has become the standard line of management with different opinions regarding the technique that is utilized. Aim: To compare the functional and radiological outcomes of lateral and cross pinning technique in supracondylar fractures of humerus in children. Materials and Methods: A prospective study with 57 cases of displaced fracture supracondylar humerus, treated by lateral (Group A n=28) and cross pinning (Group B n=29), was conducted between May 2013 and May 2015. Independent sample student’s t-test was done to assess the parameters like age, follow-up and duration of surgery. The results were expressed as mean with standard deviation and p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: As per the Gartland classification system, 46 (80.7%) patients had Type IIIA and 11 (19.2%) patients had Type IIIB fracture. The average surgical time was 28.3±1.6 minutes in Group A and 30±3.6 minutes in Group B (p=0.02). About, 3.5% patients in Group A had pin loosening. As per the Flynn criteria, 78.6% in Group A and 79.3% in Group B had excellent results. Conclusion: No significant difference in terms of functional and radiological outcome was observed between both the techniques. Thus, both the techniques have equal results.