English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The supracondylar fracture of the distal humerus is the most common pediatric fracture in the elbow. The purpose of this study was to compare the infection rate of lateral entry pin fixation with that of medial and lateral entry pin fixation for the operative treatment of completely displaced extension supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. MATERIAL & METHODS: Only the 81 patients who were able to follow up to final examination were included in the assessment. The patients were allocated randomly into two groups according to the pin configuration used. Group 1 comprised 40 patients, 30 male and 10 female, with a mean age of 7.5 years (range, 1.5–14 years). After closed reduction, fixation was achieved with K-wires placed from the lateral condyle. Group 2 comprised 41 patients, 28 males and 13 females, with a mean age of 7.8 years (range, 2–13 years). After closed reduction, two cross-wires passed—one from medial and one from lateral. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: On statistical evaluation, no significant difference was seen between the two groups With use of the specific techniques employed in this study, both lateral entry pin fixation and medial and lateral entry pin fixation are effective in the treatment of completely displaced (type-III) extension supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children however percentage wise lateral entry group was associated with pin tract infection more as compared to lateral and medial entry group may be because of small sample size so further studies needed with large sample size.