Outcome of supracondylar humerus fractures in children treated with closed lateral and cross K-wire fixation

Abstract

Objective: To compare outcome of supracondylar humerus fractures in children treated with closed lateral and cross K-wire fixation. Methodology: This comparative study was conducted at private medical centers of Dabgari garden, Peshawar on patients presenting with supracondylar fracture of elbow from January 2013 to December 2016. Lottery method used to divide patients into A & B groups; In group A, cross K-wires, while K-wires from lateral entry were used in group B. Bawman’s angle and anterior humeral line were measured on X-ray postoperatively and during follow up. At 10 week post op, functional outcome was measured using Flynn’s criteria. Results: Out of 100 patients, 46 were males while 54 females. The mean age was 6.11+1.98 years. None had neurological injury. Bowman’s angle immediate post operatively in two groups was in 45(90%) & 42(84%), respectively (p=0.372) and at 3 weeks after post operatively was in 44(88%) & 39(78%), respectively (p=0.183). Anterior humeral line immediate post operatively in both groups was in 40(80%) & 36(72%), respectively (p=0.349) and at 3 weeks post operative is in 39(78%) & 34(68%), respectively (p=0.26). Outcome in both groups was excellent in 41(82%) & 37(74%), respectively (p=0.334). Conclusion: Pinning for supracondylar fractures of the humerus is good option and both techniques had no significant difference in terms of functional outcome. Large sample size study is recommended.