Iatrogenic Ulnar Nerve Injury Research Articles

Incidence of complications among operative pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures using medial and lateral pins: a safe technique for percutaneous medial pin placement.

Cross-pinning of displaced pediatric supracondylar elbow fractures offers a superior stability construct. However, there is a reluctance to use this construct by closed means because of the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injuries associated with percutaneous medial pin placement. This study describes a safe technique for closed reduction percutaneous with medial pin placement. This study reviewed the clinical charts of 232 pediatric patients who underwent closed reduction with cross-pinning of Gartland type II and III supracondylar fractures from 2000 to 2022 at a single institution. All surgeries were performed by the same attending surgeon at the same institution, with the same technique of medial pin placement. The inpatient and outpatient notes were used to record patient demographic information, fracture classification, and postoperative complications. A total of 232 pediatric patients [114 boys, 118 girls; mean age: 5.8 (range: 1-14) years] with Gartland type II ( n = 97) and III (n = 135) supracondylar fractures were included in the study. There were a total of seven (3.02%) postoperative complications: four (1.7%) ulnar neuropathies, two (0.86%) pin site infections, and one (0.43%) anterior interosseous nerve palsy. All documented postoperative complications were resolved by the 3-month follow-up visit. There were no complications of deep infection, malunion, or nonunion. With the proper technique, closed reduction with percutaneous medial pin fixation of pediatric supracondylar fractures is safe and produces excellent postoperative outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Research progress in the treatment of distal humeral metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction fracture in children

To summarize the research progress in the treatment of distal humeral metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (DHMDJ) fractures in children and to provide reference for clinical practice. The characteristics and treatment methods of transverse and comminuted DHMDJ fractures in children were summarized and analyzed by referring to relevant literature at home and abroad. DHMDJ fractures in children are not uncommon clinically, with high fracture line position, multi-directional instability, difficult closed reduction in treatment, and easy to cause complications such as coronal and sagittal deformity of the elbow. The Kirschner wire technique was effective for DHMDJ fractures with the fracture line at the middle and low levels, but was prone to iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. Elastic stable intramedullary nail is suitable for higher-position transverse DHMDJ fractures. However, this technique requires a second operation to remove the internal fixator, and may cause iatrogenic epiphysis plate injury in children. External fixator is a new way to treat DHMDJ fractures, and it can show satisfactory results for transverse and comminuted DHMDJ fractures. However, at present, there are few relevant studies, and most of them focus on biomechanical studies, and the efficacy lacks high-quality clinical research support. The ultimate goal of DHMDJ fracture treatment in children is to restore the anatomical alignment of the fracture and prevent the loss of reduction. The choice of internal fixator depends on the location of the fracture line and the shape of the fracture to provide personalized treatment.

Comparison of complications and results of early vs. delayed surgery for pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures.

Pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture (SCHF) is one of the most common elbow fractures in children aged 5-7 years. There is a continuous discussion regarding the optimal timing for conducting surgery for fractures of this nature. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether the timing of surgery in pediatric SCHFs has an impact on the frequency of early postoperative complications. Between January 2018 and March 2020, pediatric SCHF patients who underwent surgery at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Patients operated on within 12 hours after the fracture and those operated on later were respectively included in the early and late groups. Early postoperative complications, including neurological deficits, iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, vascular injury, compartment syndrome, K-wire migration, and unexpected returns to the operating room, were compared between the two groups. We investigated surgical duration, reduction, and perioperative radiographic data. For modified Gartland type II or type III fractures, there was no significant difference in the incidence of early complications between the early and delayed groups. Additionally, there were no noticeable differences between the two groups in terms of perioperative radiographic data, reduction procedure, or surgical duration. Delayed surgery in type II or type III supracondylar humerus fractures was not associated with an increased incidence of early postoperative complications. The difficulty or effectiveness of reduction is not influenced by the timing of surgery.

FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF PERCUTANEOUS TRANSOLECRANON AND LATERAL KIRSCHNER WIRE FIXATION FOR DISPLACED SUPRACONDYLAR FRACTURE OF HUMERUS IN CHILDREN

Background: Supracondylar fracture of the humerus is one of the most common fracture occurring in children. When the patients present with swelling of the elbow, there is a dilemma whether to wait for the swelling to subside or to perform closed reduction and percutaneous pinning immediately. The objective of this study was to assess the functional outcome of percutaneous transolecranon and lateral K wire fixation and to observe the outcomes associated with this K wire configuration. Methods: This was a prospective observational study done between 2021 and 2022 at Chitwan Medical College, Nepal. The study included 40 children with closed Gartland type II and III supracondylar fracture of the humerus with no neurovascular injury. They were treated within 3 days with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning using the transolecranon and lateral K-wire fixation technique. The outcome was assessed using the Flynn’s elbow Grading criteria. Results: At 12 week follow up, 7 (17.5 %) patients had excellent result, 21 (52.5%) patients had good, 8 (20%) patients had fair and 4 (10%) patients had poor result. According to Flynn’s grading system 90 % had satisfactory result and 10 % had unsatisfactory result. Four patients had loss of reduction out of which 2 had poor result and 2 had fair result. None of the patients had post operative iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. Conclusions: The percutaneous transolecranon and lateral K-wire fixation for displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children is a good treatment option when the elbow is swollen and is reliable as it prevents iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury.

Iatrogenic ulnar nerve palsy associated with supracondylar humeral fracture in children: A systemic review on its management

Background Supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHFs) are among the most common pediatric fractures. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning are considered the established gold standard. Biomechanically, cross-pinning is resilient for any axial rotation, but the medial pin increases the risk of iatrogenic injury to the ulnar nerve. Objective A systematic review was conducted to provide an evidence-based analysis of the literature on the management of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury caused by the medial pin during closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of displaced SCHF in children. Methods MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and ScienceDirect databases were searched to identify all articles that reported ulnar nerve injury caused by the medial pin during closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of displaced SCHF in children and suggested the management. Reference lists from the articles retrieved were further scrutinized to identify any additional studies of interest. Results One thousand six hundred and six articles on SCHF treated by closed reduction and cross-pinning were identified initially with 25 studies included in the analysis after screening. Four thousand six hundred and seventy-five children sustained SCHF with a median age of 7 years. Of 3036 children treated by closed reduction and cross pinning, 205 (6.75%) were diagnosed with iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. The management involves observation only, removal of the medial pin, or exploration. The average recovery time in the group treated by removal of wire was statistically shorter than the other two groups. Conclusion The evidence suggests surgical exploration of the ulnar nerve can be delayed for up to 7 months, with most studies favouring observation only. In selected cases, immediate removal of the medial pin should be considered.

Does a medial mini-incision decrease the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning?: A retrospective cohort study: Erratum

Does a medial mini-incision decrease the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning?: A retrospective cohort study: Erratum

Does a medial mini-incision decrease the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning?: A retrospective cohort study: Erratum

Does a medial mini-incision decrease the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning?: A retrospective cohort study: Erratum

Use of lateral-exit crossed-pin fixation for pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures: a retrospective case series.

Surgeons have been reluctant to perform crossed-pin fixation for displaced pediatric supracondylar humeral (SCH) fractures because it carries a risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. This study aimed to introduce lateral-exit crossed-pin fixation for displaced pediatric SCH fractures and to evaluate its clinical and radiological outcomes, with a particular focus on iatrogenic ulnar nerve injuries. Children who underwent lateral-exit crossed-pin fixation for displaced SCH fractures between 2010 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Lateral-exit crossed-pin fixation involved the introduction of a medial pin from the medial epicondyle, as in the conventional method, followed by pulling the pin through the lateral skin until the distal and medial aspects of the pin were just under the cortex of the medial epicondyle. The time to union and loss of fixation were assessed. Flynn's clinical criteria (cosmetic and functional factors) and complications including iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury were investigated. A total of 81 children with displaced SCH fractures were treated with lateral-exit crossed-pin fixation. All but one patient achieved union with good alignment, with an average time to union of 7.9 weeks (3.9-10.3 weeks). Only one patient exhibited cubitus varus deformity associated with loss of reduction. All patients recovered to almost their full range of motion. No case of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury developed; however, iatrogenic radial nerve injury developed in one patient. Lateral-exit crossed-pin fixation provides sufficient stability with a lower risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in children with displaced SCH fractures. This method is an acceptable technique for crossed-pin fixation.

Supracondylar Displaced Fracture of Elbow in Children Treated with Closed Reduction and Percutaneous K Wire Fixation

Objective: To compare the closed reduction and percutaneous K wire fixation method outcomes in the treatment of supracondylar displaced fracture of elbow in children. Study Design: Prospective study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Orthopaedics, Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital, Lahore from 2nd April 2021 to 31st September 2021. Methodology: One hundred and seventy children were included. Those children having supracondylar displaced fractures of elbow with a grade 3 were included in the study as participant. K wires of 1.5-2cm were used after closed reductions were satisfactorily achieved. Padded-Back slabs at posterior position of elbow were applied. At 2 weeks’ suture removal and pin configuration was also observed. Callus production was observed through radiological x ray images. Results: Majority of the children belonged to the age group of 6-10 years. There were 59.4% males while 40.58% were females. Within the total number of cases 55% were administered two lateral parallel K wires while 45% were administered cross K wire. Pin tract infection was formed in 2.5% of lateral K wire cases while it was observed in only 1.2 % of Cross wire cases. Most of the children got the fracture while playing a sport. The recovery phase was of 3.5 months while fracture joined in a mean value of 1 month. Conclusion: Lateral percutaneous pin technique for the management of supracondylar fracture of humerus bone is a more suitable method and offers same results without involvement of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. Keywords: Humerus, Ulnar nerve, Pin method, K-wire, Deformation

Feasibility study of protecting ulnar nerve by ultrasound in treating children with supracondylar fracture of humerus by closed reduction and intercross needle fixation

To explore feasibility of protecting ulnar nerve by ultrasound in treating children with supracondylar fracture of humerus by closed reduction and intercross needle fixation. From January 2018 to December 2019, 63 children with supracondylar fractures of humerus were divided into two groups(ultrasound group and X-ray group) depend on the different ways of guidance. Therer were 32 children in ultrasound group treated with closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation guided by ultrasound, including 20 males and 12 females, aged from 3 to 11 years old with an average of (6.06±2.02) years old. There were 31 children in X-ray group treated with closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation guided by X-ray, including 17 males and 14 females, aged from 2 to 10 years old with an average of (5.61±1.96) years old. Operation time, X-ray times, fracture healing time, ulnar nerve injury and postoperaqtive Flynn clinical function assessment at 1 year between two groups were recorded and compared. All patients were followed up. The follow-up time of ultrasound group ranged from 9 to 12 months with an average of (11.53±0.76) months, and X-ray group ranged from 10 to 13 months with an average of (11.51±0.72) months. There was no significant difference in operation time, follow-up time and fracture healing time between two groups(P>0.05). The number of intraoperative electrodialysis in ultrasound group was (3.06±1.24) times, and that in X-ray group was (21.65±5.58) times, which was significantly higher than that in ultrasound group(P<0.01). No iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury occurred in ultrasound group, and 2 cases of ulnar nerve injury occurred in X-ray group, the incidence of ulnar nerve injury in ultrasound group was lower than that in X-ray group, but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). At 1 year after operation, Flynn clinical function assessment results in ultrasound group was excellent in 27 cases, 4 cases good and 1 case fair, in X-ray group 23 cases got excellent result, 6 cases good, 1 fair and 1 poor, there was no significant difference between two groups(P>0.05 ). Ultrasound guided and X-ray guided treatment of supracondylar fractures of humerus in children have similar effect of opertaion time and fracture healing, while ultrasound guidance could clearly detected the position of ulnar nerve, and avoid occurrence of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury caused by ulnar puncture, which is a safe and effective treatment method.

The outcome of displaced pediatric supracondylar fractures of the elbow treated with lateral three divergent K wires

Introduction: Supracondylar fracture of the humerus is the commonest elbow injury in children, treated with closed reduction and percutaneous fixation. Crossed K-wires fixation is more biomechanically stable than lateral K – wires only. Recent biomechanical studies have shown that 3 lateral divergent K—wire fixation is as stable as cross K-wire fixation. Furthermore, lateral divergent fixation is associated with a good clinical outcome. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of orthopedics at People’s General Hospital, Kathmandu between the period of January 2018 to December 2020. Medical records of 76 supracondylar fractures of humerus Gartland type III and IV were reviewed out of which 46 patients were included in the study after meeting the inclusion criteria. Radiological assessment was done to assess fracture union and stability. Flynn's grading system was used for functional outcomes. Results: The mean age was 7.3 years (range 4 – 13 years). The boys were 32 (70%) and girls were 14 (30%). The follow-up was 9.2 months (range 3 – 12 months). At the final follow-up, the mean range of elbow motion at final follow up was 0.86 ± 4.58° - 135.86 ± 4.078°, the mean arc of motion was 139.9 ± 6.2°, and the mean carrying angle was 13.63± 32.15°. No iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury was noted. Five patients (10.8%) had superficial pin site infection, managed with local dressings after pin removal. According to Flynn’s grading system, 41 patients (89.1%) achieved excellent results, and one patient had poor results. None of them had chronic discharge after the wire removal. Conclusion: Closed reduction and percutaneous 3 lateral divergent K – wire fixation for type III and IV supracondylar fracture of humerus in children provides a stable configuration with good functional outcomes and avoids iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury.

Dorsal Fixation of Coronal Hamate and Fifth Metacarpal Base Fractures: An Anatomic Evaluation of the Ulnar Nerve

Traumatic drill overshoot during dorsal fixation of coronal hamate and fifth metacarpal base fractures risks iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. This study describes the anatomic relationships between exiting volar drill tips and ulnar nerve branches. Dorsal drilling of hamate bones and fifth metacarpal bases was performed on cadavers. Dorsal hamate bodies were subdivided into 4 quadrants: (1) distal-ulnar, (2) distal-radial, (3) proximal-ulnar, and (4) proximal-radial. Screws measuring 5 mm more than the dorsal-to-volar bone depths were placed in each quadrant to represent drill exit trajectories with consistent overshoot. A single screw was similarly placed 5 mm distal to the midline articular surface of the dorsal fifth metacarpal base. Distances between estimated drill tips and ulnar nerve branches were measured. Ten cadaver hands were examined. The fifth metacarpal base screw tips directly abutted the ulnar motor branch in 6 hands, and were within 1 mm in 4 hands (mean, 0.4 ± 0.5 mm). Distances from the tips to the ulnar motor and sensory branches were largest in the distal-radial quadrant (11.8 ± 0.8 mm and 9.2 ± 1.9 mm, respectively) and smallest in the proximal-ulnar quadrant (7.3 ± 1.5 mm and 4.3 ± 1.1 mm, respectively). Distances to the ulnar motor and sensory branches were similar between the proximal-ulnar and distal-ulnar quadrants, and between the proximal-radial and distal-radial quadrants. Dorsal drilling of coronal hamate fractures appears to be safe, as volar drill tips are well away from ulnar nerve motor and sensory branches. Distances to ulnar nerve branches are largest, and theoretically safest, with dorsal drilling in the distal-radial hamate. Dorsal drilling of fifth metacarpal base fractures appears to carry a high risk for potential ulnar motor nerve injury. These findings may help minimize potential risks for iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury with dorsal drilling of hamate and fifth metacarpal base fractures.

Intra-operative application of ultrasonography combined with limited radiography for the treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in children: a randomized controlled trial.

To introduce a new method of intra-operative application of ultrasonography (US) combined with limited radiographyto treat supracondylar humerus fractures in children and evaluate its effect on radiation protection. Fifty patients were randomly divided into the radiography-only group (RO group, n = 22) and the US combined with thelimited radiography group (UR group, n = 28). US was performed to evaluate fracture displacement and to guide reduction inthe UR group. The primary outcome measures were the average number of radiography instances and the quantitative value ofradiation emission. Secondary outcome measures were length of hospital stays, loss of range of motion, loss of carrying angle,loss of Baumann angle, fracture healing time, pin site infection, compartment syndrome, cubitus varus, cubitus valgus, and iatrogeniculnar nerve injury. Average number of radiography instances and quantitative value of radiation emission inthe UR group decreased compared with the RO group (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups regardingmean time to surgery, the average length of hospital stays, average surgery time, radiological union time, Flynn grade,or loss of Baumann angle. Pin site infection was seen in one patient in the RO group and two patients in the UR group. No othercomplications occurred. Intra-operative application of US combined with limited radiography decreases radiationexposure during treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in children without compromising the therapeutic effect.

A Mini-Open Approach to Medial Pinning in Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures May Be Safer Than Previously Thought.

Displaced pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHFs) are stabilized after reduction by smooth pins. Although some SCHFs are biomechanically stable after lateral-only entry pinning (lateral pinning), an additional medial entry pin (cross-pinning) confers superior stabilization in some SCHFs. There is a recognized risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury with medial entry pinning. The best existing evidence has estimated an iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury rate of approximately 3.4% in cross-pinning. In similar studies, the rate of iatrogenic nerve injury (all nerves) in lateral pinning is estimated at 1.9%. This study aimed to use a large, single-center, single-technique (mini-open) retrospective case series to determine the rate of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in cross-pinning. Patients undergoing percutaneous cross-pinning via the mini-open technique for SCHFs from 2007 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Injury characteristics, operative variables, fixation technique, and complications, such as iatrogenic nerve injury, were recorded. Patients who underwent operative treatment at another hospital, had no postoperative follow-up, or died due to polytrauma were excluded. In this study, 698 patients undergoing cross-pinning during the study period were identified. Patients treated with cross-pinning had severe fractures, including a total of 198 preoperative neurovascular injuries (28.4%), 32 patients (4.6%) with skin tenting, and 19 patients (2.7%) with open fractures. Iatrogenic nerve injury was reported in 3 cases (0.43%), all of which affected the ulnar nerve. In 2 of 3 cases of iatrogenic nerve injury, the ulnar nerve symptoms resolved at a mean follow-up of 15 weeks. The mini-open approach for medial pin insertion is safer than previous estimates. Here, in the largest single-center study of cross-pinning for SCHFs, the iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury rate of 0.43% was nearly 10 times lower than estimated rates from recent meta-analyses. Considering all nerves, the iatrogenic injury rate for this cross-pinning cohort was also lower than the estimated iatrogenic nerve injury rate for lateral pinning. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Outcome analysis of cross pinning in supracondylar fractures of humerus in children

Background: Supracondylar humerus fractures are one of the commonest fractures in the paediatric age group. Displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus in children is commonly treated by closed or open reduction and K wire fixation. Cross pinning and lateral pinning are the commonest configurations used for fixation. The configuration of wires is debatable although cross pinning is biomechanically more stable, there is a risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. Recent studies suggest lateral pinning if properly done has equal stability and there is no risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. functional outcome of displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus in children treated with cross pinning Inclusion criteria included Age less than 16 yrs, Gartland type II and type III fractures and Cases managed by closed or open reduction and stabilized by Kirschner wires. Patient with Age more than 16 years, Gartland type I fractures, Compound fractures, Patient presenting with associated neurolovascular deficit were excluded.Materials and Methods: This is a randomized prospective study from November 2019 to April 2021. A total of 30 patients of displaced supracondylar fracture aged between 2-12 years without any compound injury were enrolled for the study. The cosmetic and functional outcomes were evaluated by Modified Flynn’s criteria.Results: As per Modified Flynn’s criteria, all patients treated with cross pinning had satisfactory results. There was no statistically significant difference with regard to functional outcome, cosmetic outcome and loss of reduction. There was one case of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in cross pinning group.Conclusion: cross pinning provides good stability and functional outcome. Cross pinning has a definitive risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury.

Comparison of Outcome of Lateral Pinning Versus Medial and Lateral Cross Pinning in Childhood Supracondylar Fractures of Humerus

Objectives: To compare the complications and outcomes of lateral entry pin fixation with medial and lateral pin fixation for Gartland type III supracondylar fractures of humerus. Methodology: This prospective comparative study involving 190 patients of Gartland type III close supracondylar fractures were included. from March-2019 to Dec-2020. In all patients, initially the elbow was mobilized using the splint placed above the elbow joint at 30 to 45 degrees’ flexion. After closed reduction, lateral pinning was applied in group I and in group II lateral and medial cross pinning was applied using the standard protocol. Patients were followed for iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, radiologic and function outcomes in-terms of loss of reduction, elbow range of motion, loss in carrying angle and functional outcomes. Results: The two groups were comparable for loss of elbow range of motion, loss of carrying angle and loss of Bauman's angle. On clinical examination, immediate post-operative ulnar nerve injury was diagnosed in 4 (4.2%) cases in group II and in no patient in group I (p-value 0.12). Satisfactory functional outcomes were achieved in 85 (89.5%) patients in group I and in 88 (92.6%) patients in group II (p-value 0.44). Conclusion: Lateral pinning provided stable fixation clinically and radiologically as compared to lateral and medial cross pinning. Keywords: Supracondylar fracture of Humerus, Iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, Lateral pin entry, lateral and medial cross pin entry.

Modified Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Kirschner Wires Internal Fixation for Treatment of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children.

Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most frequent fractures of the paediatric elbow. The present study introduced a modified surgical procedure for treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in children. From February 2015 to August 2019, 73 patients with Gartland's type II and III supracondylar fractures were treated with this modified method. Totally, 68 of all patients were followed up for 3-12 months (mean 8.25 months). The evaluation results included fracture nonunion, ulnar nerve injury, pin track infection, carrying angle and elbow joint Flynn score. The results showed that bone union was observed in all children, one case had an iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, and the symptoms were completely relieved in 4 months after removing of the medial-side pin. All children had no cubitus varus deformity and no pin track infection, and the rate of satisfactory results according to Flynn's criteria score was 100%. The modified closed reduction and Kirschner wires internal fixation could effectively reduce the rate of open reduction, the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, and the incidence of cubitus varus deformity in treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in children.

Factors determining loss of reduction in paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning.

Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is the preferred surgical intervention for paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHF). Loss of reduction (LOR) is one of the infrequent complications associated with percutaneous pinning. We aim to analyse the various factors that could lead to LOR. We retrospectively reviewed records of all children with Gartland's type III and IV SCHF who were operated at our institution between 2014 and 2016. A defined set of radiologic indices were measured on postoperative and follow-up radiographs. Correlation between LOR (as defined by Skaggs) and radiologic indices, was calculated. In total 187 children who satisfied the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Major LOR was present in 8 patients (4.28%), mild LOR was seen in 21 patients (11.22%), and there was no LOR in 158 patients (84.49%). A pin-spread fracture width ratio of 0.37 had maximum sensitivity and specificity for predicting LOR. The convergent pin configuration had the highest rate of LOR of 15%, whereas it was about 3% in the crossed pin and lateral divergent pinning group. The incidence of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in our series was 4.76%, and all were in the cross pinning group. Pin-spread fracture width ratio is the most crucial factor determining LOR, and a ratio of less than 0.37 has a significantly higher rate of LOR. As the incidence of LOR is not significantly different between the lateral-only and crossed pin groups, a medial pin should be used judiciously to avert the risk of ulnar nerve injury. Level of evidence: Level IV.

English

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

Comparison of lateral entry and crossed entry pinning for pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundClosed reduction and pinning entry fixation have been proposed as treatment strategies for displaced supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHFs) in children. However, controversy exists regarding the selection of the appropriate procedure. Hence, this meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effect of lateral and crossed pin fixation for pediatric SCHFs, providing a reference for clinical treatment.MethodsOnline databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing lateral pinning entry and crossed pinning entry for children with SCHFs. The primary endpoints were iatrogenic ulnar nerve injuries, complications, and radiographic and functional outcomes.ResultsOur results showed that iatrogenic ulnar nerve injuries occurred more commonly in the crossed pinning entry group than in the lateral pinning entry group (RR = 4.41, 95% CI 1.97–9.86, P < 0.05). However, its risk between the crossed pinning with mini-open incisions group and the lateral pinning entry group was not significantly different (RR = 1.58, 95% CI 0.008–29.57, P = 0.76). The loss of reduction risk was higher in the lateral pinning entry group than in the crossed pinning entry group (RR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.49–0.89, P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the carry angle, Baumann angle, Flynn scores, infections, and other complications between these two groups.ConclusionsThe crossed pinning entry with mini-open incision technique reduced the loss of reduction risk, and the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury was lower than in the lateral pinning entry group. The crossed pinning entry with mini-open incision technique is an effective therapeutic strategy for managing displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children.