Pinning Of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures Research Articles

Transolecranon and lateral Kirschner wire fixation for displaced supracondylar humeral fracture in children

Abstract Introduction Percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fracture(SCHF) in children is an effective way to maintain the anatomic reduction of a displaced. closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) had been considered the standard treatment for displaced SCHF in children. Patients and methods A prospective case series, was conducted at the emergency department of Helwan university hospital from February 2020 to September 2021. It includes 40 patients with Gartland type III fracture who presented to the orthopaedic casualty and were included in the study. Four patients (10%) had the transolecranon wire was directed intramedullary, 11 patients (27%) had the wire directed posterolaterally, and 16 patients (40%) had the wire directed posteromedially and 9 patients (23%) had the wire directed posteriorly. Results The mean age was 5.57 years (range from 2–12 years). The mean Baumann angle in the patients was (70.89 ± 2.40). The mean follow-up duration was 3 months (range from 3–3.2 months). with mean carrying angle was about (9.37 ± 2.52) and no one of the patients had an excessive deformity of carrying angle that required correction. Regarding ROM loss, there were 25, but always poor. A few complications occurred including pin tract infection and broken transolecranon wire and all were tolerable with no effect on the outcome. Conclusion The Transolecranon and lateral Kirschner wires fixation is an effective option that provides good stability with the little number of trials in the management of supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children, and the risk of nerve injury or fishtail deformity was avoided especially in the hands of junior trainees in their first 3 years of training.

Discordance in current procedural terminology coding for pediatric orthopaedic surgeries between residents and attending surgeons: a retrospective comparative study

Background: The current procedural terminology (CPT) coding system is used in medical record maintenance and billing. CPT coding is a skill that residents should acquire through training. The purpose of this study was to assess concordance between attending and resident coding practices in pediatric orthopaedic surgery. Methods: Case log reports were collected from 14 residents on the pediatric orthopaedic surgery service over 2 yr, then compared to operating room billing records from three pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. CPT code concordance rates were generated between residents and attendings for individual cases. Results: Three attending surgeons performed 1,372 cases over the two years. To accommodate cases in which multiple residents participated, 38 cases were duplicated (1,410 total attending cases). There was no corresponding resident case entry for 31.3% of attending cases. Of the 968 cases logged by residents, a 78.2% concordance rate was observed. Residents who rotated on pediatric orthopaedics only as a post-graduate year (PGY) 3 during the study period exhibited 73.8% concordance rates, versus residents that rotated as both a PGY-3 and PGY-4 who exhibited 78.7% and those who rotated only as a PGY-4 who exhibited 82.0% (P<0.001). Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures had the highest concordance rate (93.5%) among ACGME-required minimum category cases. Conclusions: Residents and attendings demonstrate a relatively high CPT code concordance among pediatric orthopaedic surgeries. Concordance rates were significantly higher when reported by more experienced residents. Among minimum category cases, percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humeral fractures demonstrated the highest concordance rate. Level of Evidence: Level IV

Efficacy of Pre and Postoperative Antibiotics in Percutaneous Pinning of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

Background: Supracondylar humerus (SCH) fracture is a common injury to the pediatric age group and often requires closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Much controversy exists in the literature regarding the use of antibiotics in the pre-operative or postoperative period with some centers administrating a single pre-operative dose only, whereas other administering a single pre-operative dose along with few post-operative doses and some centers where no antibiotic is administrated at all. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of surgical site infection in patients receiving a single pre-operative dose only versus single pre-operative along with five days dosage as per local ward policy. Material and methods: We prospectively studied 50 patients at The Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore between February 1st, 2021 and July 30th 2021. Following approval from the Institutional Ethical committee, 50 pediatric patients presenting to the Emergency and outpatient department with trauma to affected elbow with Supracondylar humerus fracture were admitted and divided into two equal groups. Group A was given a single pre-operative antibiotic injectable 30 minutes before procedure whereas Group B was given a single pre-operative injectable and another injectable dose on 0 Post-operative day, then oral BD dose for next 5 days which is the routinely followed protocol in our ward setting. Closed Surgical Fixation following manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) with K-wires was performed in each group and Half Cast above elbow was applied for 4 weeks. Patients were discharged on the first post-operative day and called for follow up 2, 4 and 6 weeks. K-wires were removed at 4th week and Range of motion exercises started. Wounds were evaluated at 6th week for surgical site infection. Erythema around the K-wire or any discharge around the wire was labelled as pin tract or surgical site infection. Chi-Square test was used as a significance test and a p-value of 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Of the 50 patients, there were 32 (58.20%) males and 18 (32.70%) females with the mean age of 4.84 ± 1.87. There were 27 patients aged between 2-4 years, 16 between ages 5-7 and 7 between 8-10 years. Subjects presenting following Fall while playing and fall from height were equal in number, 23 (41.8%) and Fall due to road traffic accident was a less common than the former two with 4 (7.30%) subjects. Two (8%) patients from group A and 1 (4%) patient from group B developed pin tract infection. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (p-value = 0.552) Practical implication of this study includes the rational use of antibiotics in young patients. This will prevent avoidable overuse of antibiotics which is one of the major factors in the development of resistance against pathogens. It will also decrease the economic burden on the healthcare as well as the patient attendants. Conclusion: Our data suggests no added advantage of post-operative antibiotic in contrast to single pre-operative antibiotic when fixing a supracondylar fracture of humerus. Of the complications listed in literature, Pin tract infection remains a rare complication following Closed pinning of supracondylar humerus fracture in pediatric population. Keyword: Antibiotic Prophylaxis, Close Pinning, K-wire fixation, Pin Tract infection, Supracondylar Fracture Humerus

Efficacy of Antibiotics in Supracondylar Fractures.

Controversy exists surrounding antibiotic use in the setting of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation. While the reported incidence of infection in the literature is low, surgeons frequently administer preoperative antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review preoperative antibiotic use and incidence of infection in children with supracondylar humerus fractures treated with closed reduction and K-wire fixation. It was hypothesized that antibiotic administration will not affect the incidence of infection following this procedure. We performed a retrospective review of 1053 patients with supracondylar humerus fractures treated with closed reduction and K-wire fixation at 3 institutions between 2006 and 2016. Patient demographics, antibiotic administration and follow-up data were reviewed in 905 patients. Of 905 patients, 755 patients received preoperative antibiotics and 150 patients did not. The incidence of infection was 2.5% (n=22) in the group that received preoperative antibiotics and 2.0% in the group that did not receive antibiotics with an overall incidence of infection of 2.4%. The difference between groups did not reach significance (P>0.5). The majority of infections were treated with oral antibiotics with or without early pin removal. Four patients, all in the preoperative antibiotic group, required surgical debridement and intravenous antibiotics. Retrospective review of the incidence of infection in closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures found no difference between patients who received preoperative antibiotics and those who did not receive preoperative antibiotics. Level III-therapeutic.

Obesity as a Predictor of Outcomes in Type III and Type IV Supracondylar Humerus Fractures.

To investigate the association of obesity with fracture characteristics and outcomes of operatively treated pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. Retrospective multicenter. Two Level I pediatric hospitals. Patients (age <18 years) with operatively treated Gartland type III and type IV fractures 2010-2014. Closed or open reduction and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures. Incidence of Gartland IV fracture, preoperative nerve palsy, open reduction and complication rates. Patients in the obese group had a significantly higher likelihood of having a Gartland IV fracture (not obese: 17%; obese: 35%; P = 0.007). There was a significantly higher incidence of nerve palsy on presentation in the obese group (not obese: 20%; obese: 33%; P = 0.03). No significant differences were found between groups regarding incidence of open reduction, compartment syndrome, and rates of reoperation. The present study demonstrates that obese children with a completely displaced supracondylar humerus fractures have an increased risk of Gartland type IV and preoperative nerve palsy compared with normal weight children. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Pain Control and Medication Use in Children Following Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: Are We Still Overprescribing Opioids?

The purpose of this 2-part study is to determine opioid prescribing patterns and characterize actual opioid use and postoperative pain control in children following discharge after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of a supracondylar humerus fracture. A retrospective study was conducted from 2014 to 2016 to determine pain medication prescribing patterns at a single level 1 trauma center. Next, a prospective, observational study was conducted from 2017 to 2018 to determine actual pain medication use and pain scores in the acute postoperative period. Data were collected through telephone surveys performed on postoperative day 1, 3, and 5. Pain scores were collected using a parental proxy numerical rating scale (0 to 10) and opioid use was recorded as the number of doses taken. From 2014 to 2016, there were 126 patients who were prescribed a mean of 47 doses of opioid medication at discharge. From 2017 to 2018, telephone questionnaires were completed in 63 patients. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in pain ratings or opioid use by fracture type (Gartland), age, or sex. Children required a mean of 4 doses of oxycodone postoperatively. There were 18 (28%) patients who did not require any oxycodone. On average, pain scores were highest on postoperative day 1 (average 5/10) and decreased to clinically unimportant levels (<1) by postoperative day 5. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen were utilized as first-line pain medications in only 25% and 9% of patients, respectively. Two of 3 patients who used >15 oxycodone doses experienced a minor postoperative complication. Pediatric patients have been overprescribed opioids after operative treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures at our institution. Families who report pain scores >5 of 10 and/or persistent opioid use beyond postoperative day 5 warrant further clinical evaluation. Two of 3 pain outliers in this study experienced a minor postoperative complication. With appropriate parental counseling, satisfactory pain control can likely be achieved with acetaminophen and ibuprofen for most patients. If oxycodone is prescribed for breakthrough pain, then the authors recommend limiting to <6 doses. Level IV-observational, cohort study.

Is Supine Position Superior to Prone Position in the Surgical Pinning of Supracondylar Humerus Fracture in Children?

Background: Supracondylar humerus fracture (SCHF) is a frequent injury in pediatric ages. Closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation is a common treatment of displaced SCHF. Surgery is usually performed in the supine position; otherwise the prone position allows an easier fracture reduction and a safe placement of pins. The aim of study is to compare the clinical and radiographic results of the treatment of displaced SCHF, comparing two different intra-operative positionings. Methods: 59 SCHF affected children were retrospectively divided into supine (Group 1; n = 34) and prone (Group 2; n = 25), according to intraoperative position. All treated subjects were clinically evaluated according to Flynn’s criteria and Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and radiographically, including the measurement of the Baumann angle. Results: Clinically, Group 1, according Flynn’s criteria, had excellent cosmetic outcome in 32 subjects (94.1%). Mean MAYO Score was 96.0 ± 3.8. Group 2, according Flynn’s criteria, had excellent cosmetic outcomes in 23 subjects (92.0%). Mean MAYO Score was 97.8 ± 3.3. Radiographically, mean difference of Baumann’s angle between the injured limb and the normal limb was 5.5° ± 1.0° in Group 1 and 5.1° ± 1.1° in Group 2. Conclusion: Both supine and prone positioning achieved a satisfying outcome with similar results in joint function recovery and complications.

Lateral-Only Kirschner-Wire Fixation of Type-3 Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children with a Special Attention to Technical Issues.

Lateral-only Kirschner-wire pinning of supracondylar humerus fracture is superior in avoiding surgery-related ulnar nerve injury. Their disadvantageous effects on stability may be a consequence of inappropriate surgical techniques. We analyzed whether the surgeon's preference for lateral-only fixation is associated with his or her orthopedic competence. We also analyzed the surgical technique-related risk factors of redisplacement. All children, aged <16 years, with a distal humerus fracture in 2000-2009 were preliminary included (N = 861). Altogether, 24 of the 165 type-3 supracondylar fractures were operated by lateral-only pinning. Loss of reduction in the follow-up was the main outcome, while the close characteristics of the surgical technique and treating surgeon's orthopedic competence were the explanatory variables. Orthopedic surgeons used lateral-only method in 23.5% of the type-3 fractures (N = 16/68), and other surgeons in 8.2% (N = 8/97)(difference = 15.3%, 95% confidence interval = 4.6%-27.6%, p = 0.005). One-third of the lateral-only treated fractures (29.2%, 95% confidence interval = 12.6%-51.1%) redisplaced. Lateral-entry pins that crossed at the level of the fracture were associated with failure (87.5%), while no patient with appropriate pin configuration failed (difference = 87.5%, 95% confidence interval = 52.1%-97.8%). A shorter distance (<5 mm) between the entry points of the pins was associated with redisplacement (80% vs. 15.8%, difference = 64.2%, 95% confidence interval = 16.1%-86.9%). Open reduction (p = 0.07), insufficient (<4 mm) bone contact (p = 0.28), monocortical pins (p = 0.569), low diverging angle (p = 0.13) or parallel pins (p = 1.0), residual coronal displacement (p = 1.0), >5° changed Bauman angle (p = 0.11), rotational displacement (p = 0.25), and the experience or specialty of the surgeon were not associated with redisplacement. Lateral-only pins resulted in poor stability in one in three of the patients. Appropriate configuration of the pins was associated with good fracture healing, but crossing the pins at the fracture level and introducing them close to each other were associated with redisplacement. Surgeons with more orthopedic competence selected lateral-only fixation more usually.

A two-stage retrospective analysis to determine the effect of entry point on higher exit of proximal pins in lateral pinning of supracondylar humerus fracture in children

BackgroundKirschner wire fixation remains to be the mainstream treatment modality in unstable or displaced supracondylar humerus fracture in children, with divergent lateral pins being the most preferred due to their sufficient stability and decreased risk of ulnar nerve injury. However, the entry point at which the proximal lateral pin can be inserted to achieve a more proximal exit and maximum divergence has not been reported. This study retrospectively analyzed the characteristics and factors influencing the entry and exit points of the proximal lateral pins.MethodsThe study was divided into two stages. In stage one, the entry and exit points of the proximal pins of lateral pinning configuration were analyzed from intra-operative radiographs of children treated for extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures. The coronal and sagittal pin angles formed by the proximal pins were also measured. Using the findings of stage one, we intentionally tried to achieve a more proximal exit with the proximal pins in stage two. Comparisons between groups of patients treated by random and intentional pinnings were done statistically.ResultsIn the first stage, 47 (29.2%) of the 161 proximal pins exited above the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (MDJ) region. Of these, 85.1% entered from lateral and posterior to the ossific nucleus of the capitellum (ONC). The pin angles averaged 58.4° and 90.5° in the coronal and sagittal planes respectively. In the second stage, 47 (65.3%) proximal pins in the intended group exited above the MDJ region, while only 32 (36%) in the random group exited above the MDJ region.ConclusionWhile aiming at the upper border of the distal MDJ during pinning, lateral pins can easily achieve a higher, proximal exit above the MDJ if inserted from lateral and posterior to the ONC and parallel to the humeral shaft in the sagittal plane. Higher exit can also be easily achieved in younger patients and patients fixated with smaller diameter pins.

RETRACTED: Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures in children using a semi-sterile technique in a low resource south Asian setting: infection rate and functional outcome.

RETRACTED: Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures in children using a semi-sterile technique in a low resource south Asian setting: infection rate and functional outcome.

The first outpatient appointment within two weeks following manipulation and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures in children. Is it necessary?

The first outpatient appointment within two weeks following manipulation and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures in children. Is it necessary?

Postoperative pain and the use of ultrasound-guided regional analgesia in pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.

A total of 230 children undergoing closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures were analyzed retrospectively. Severe pain (score ≥ 7/10) was reported in 10% of general anesthesia-only patients in the postanesthesia care unit and in 28% of the 130 admitted patients. The 36 patients who received ultrasound-guided regional analgesia+general anesthesia had decreased intraoperative opioid consumption and postanesthesia care unit pain scores. After admission, pain scores and opioid consumption did not differ between fracture and anesthesia types. No patient developed compartment syndrome. Severe pain is frequent after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures. Further study of ultrasound-guided regional analgesia is needed.

Direct Beam Radiation Exposure to Surgeons During Pinning of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

Direct beam radiation exposure to the surgeon, especially to their hands, is extremely common during supracondylar humerus fracture pinnings and results in exposure to significantly greater doses of ionizing radiation when compared with scatter radiation. The purpose of this study was to determine how often surgeons are exposed to direct beam radiation during this surgery and whether the C-arm position and the surgeon's experience influence radiation exposure. In this double blind study, we collected 3842 fluoroscopic still images from 78 closed reduction and percutaneous pinning surgeries for supracondylar humerus fractures performed or supervised by 6 attending surgeons. The percentage of images containing a surgeon's body was calculated as an indicator of direct beam radiation exposure. Total fluoroscopy time, C-arm position (standard or inverted), and whether the primary surgeon was an attending, resident, or both were recorded. Nonparametric statistical analyses were performed. Fluoroscopy lasted for a median of 34 seconds, and the surgeon was exposed to direct beam radiation in a median of 13% of fluoroscopy films, with exposure ranging from 0% to 97% per surgery. Fluoroscopy was significantly longer when the C-arm position was inverted when compared with the standard position (43 vs. 26 s, P=0.034). Surgeons' exposure to direct beam radiation was also slightly greater when the C-arm position was inverted (16% vs. 10%, P=0.087). The duration of fluoroscopy exposure and the percentage of films with the body exposed to radiation did not differ based on whether the surgery was performed by an attending, a resident, or both (P=0.53 and 0.28, respectively). However, the percentage of films with bodily radiation exposure did significantly differ between the attending physicians (P=0.029). Direct beam radiation exposure varied widely between surgeries and surgeons, ranging from none to nearly constant exposure. Surgical time also significantly increased with the C-arm in the inverted position compared with the standard position. Given the significant variation in exposure between attending physicians, it is likely that exposure to direct beam radiation can be avoided with improved awareness about the risk of direct beam radiation exposure and cautious surgical technique. Not applicable.

Percutaneous Pinning of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures With the Semisterile Technique

Pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures are common injuries. The standard of care for management of displaced supracondylar fractures has become closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of the fracture in the operating room. We have been using a "semisterile" surgical technique, similar to what is used when placing a traction pin at the bedside. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our cases from 2000-2004 requiring closed reduction and percutaneous pinning to determine if this method had an infection rate comparable to what is reported in the literature. A total of 304 cases were identified. There were no superficial pin track infections or deep infections requiring treatment in any patient. A review of the literature regarding percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures reveals an overall infection rate of 2.34% (45/1922) with a deep infection rate of 0.47% (9/1922). Consequently, the use of the semisterile technique is safe and an efficient way to handle these cases in saving time, cost, and materials. We also found that the administration of perioperative antibiotics may not be necessary as 68% of our patients did not receive any antibiotics during the perioperative or postoperative period. Finally, we found that 37% of our patients were discharged home the same day the surgery was performed, and there were no cases of compartment syndrome or Volkmann ischemic contracture. This indicates that observation overnight in the hospital may not be necessary for every patient.

Complications and Timing of Follow-up After Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

Complications and Timing of Follow-up After Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

Complications and Timing of Follow-up After Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the need for clinical evaluation with radiographs within 10 days of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for the treatment of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures. Between May 1 and December 31, 2001, the authors evaluated the complications with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of 104 displaced supracondylar humerus fractures. Fifty-two of the patients had the initial follow-up examination with radiographs 10 days or less after pinning; the other 52 patients had the initial follow-up examination with radiographs either after 10 days or on the day of pin removal. The overall complication rate for the series was 7.7% (8/104). All eight complications were in type III fractures. The early follow-up group had six complications; the late follow-up group had two complications. Baumann's angle, lateral humerocapitellar angle, and lateral rotational percentage were not significantly different between the two groups. The only variable tested that was associated with a complication was pin configuration. No association between late follow-up and complications was identified. The authors conclude that clinical and radiographic evaluation of routine displaced supracondylar humerus fractures requiring closed reduction and percutaneous pinning may be safely delayed until pin removal.

Techniques for Direct Radiographic Visualization During Closed Pinning of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children

Techniques for Direct Radiographic Visualization During Closed Pinning of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children

Techniques for Direct Radiographic Visualization During Closed Pinning of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children

After reduction of a displaced supracondylar humerus fracture, the distal humerus must be easy to visualize; radiographic techniques in which the forearm overlaps the distal humerus make interpretation of fracture reduction difficult. Eighteen patients with displaced supracondylar humerus fractures were treated with reduction that was maintained manually with a variant of Dunlop's extension traction. This allows direct fluoroscopic evaluation of Baumann's angle, the contour of the distal humerus, the pin insertion site, and the angle of pin insertion. In young patients with a thin distal humerus and swollen elbow, the easiest pin placement may be achieved by inserting the pin on the lateral view (after the anteroposterior view confirms a satisfactory reduction).