Functional outcome and complications of displaced supracondylar fracture in pediatric population treated with open reduction internal fixation with K wires

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyse clinical outcome of treatment of supracondylar fracture of humerus by open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires and to analyse complications of the procedure.Introduction: Treatment of displaced supracondylar humerus fracture (SCHF) is a challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon owing to its neurovascular and other complications.Open reduction and K-wire fixation is widely accepted standard treatment and is an effective way in managing such fracture with goals of obtaining correction and maintenance of alignment, avoiding deformity, and getting functional range of elbow movement. The aim of our study was to evaluate the functional results of open reduction and internal fixation with k wires in the treatment of displaced (Gartland’s type III) supracondylar fractures of the humerus.Methods: 50 cases of displaced (Gartland’s type III) supracondylar fractures treated byOpen reduction and internal fixation with K-wires were studied between february 2013 – January 2016 at our institution and followed for an average of 6 months.Results: In our study of 50 cases, all were closed Gartland’s type III fractures with mean age of 6.3 years, posteromedial displacement in 32 patients. 4 patients had associated distal end radius fracture. Majority of patients operated on 2nd day and discharged on 3rd postoperative day. 32 had 0-5° loss of range of motion, 36 had 0-5° loss of carrying angle. 6 patients had superficial pin tract infection, 4 had traumatic median nerve palsy, 4 had migration of K-wire, 2 had Cubitus varus deformity and 2 had loss of motion >15.