English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Supracondylar fracture of humerus is a common fracture in children. Closed manipulative reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation is the most widely recognized treatment method for displaced supracondylar humerus fracture in children but controversy persists regarding the ideal pin fixation technique. The purpose of this study was to compare the radiological and functional outcome of lateral entry pinning with that of crossed pinning fixation for Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures in children. METHODS This prospective cohort study was conducted in Govt. Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram from February, 2015 to September, 2016. A total of 54 patients who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. They were allocated to Group A (crossed pin fixation) and Group B (lateral pin) fixation with 27 patients in each. All the cases of percutaneous pinning were done according to a uniform standardized technique. The patients were reevaluated at post-operative day, three weeks, and three months after the surgery. Following information were recorded as outcome measures: (i) carrying angle (ii) range of motion (iii) modified Flynn’s criteria. (v) Baumann’s angle (vi) neurovascular injury. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference between crossed and lateral pinning with regard to mean Baumann's angle, carrying angle, complication rate, stability and functional outcome, but there was evidence of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury (3.7 %) in crossed pinning group. There was one case of pin tract infection. CONCLUSIONS There is no statistically significant difference between the radiological and functional outcome provided by crossed pin fixation method and lateral pin fixation methods. Closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation are safe and efficient methods for fixation of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus. Closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation for displaced supracondylar factures of the humerus in children gives good functional and cosmetic results. KEYWORDS Humerus, Percutaneous Pinning, Supracondylar Fracture