A Comparative Study of Pinning by Kirschner Wire (K-WIRE) to Manage Supracondylar Fracture of Humerus in Children, Criss Cross (Medial and Lateral) Versus Lateral Approach at a Tertiary Care Centre

Aim of the study: The commonly accepted (gold standard) treatment of type II and III extension type supracondylar fracture of humerus in children is closed reduction with percutaneous pinning. The present study aimed at comparing the functional outcome of percutaneous criss-crossed pinning with lateral pinning. Materials and Methods: An analysis of results with regard to ulnar nerve injury, carrying angle and range of movements was made in 15 children with lateral pinning and 15 children with crisscross pinning. Functional outcome was graded according to Flynn?s criteria. Results: There was no statistically significant difference with regard to functional outcome between the two groups. Both methods produced satisfactory results in all cases. There was no incidence of ulnar nerve injury. The difference in the loss of carrying angle and difference in loss of motion between two groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Percutaneous pinning is an excellent method of treatment for type II and III supracondylar fractures in children. We found that if a uniform standardized operative technique is followed in each method, then results of both percutaneous fixation methods will be same in terms of safety and efficacy.