A study of supracondylar fracture of humerus in children treated with lateral pinning

Introduction: Supracondylar fracture humerus is one of the commonest fractures suffered in children accounting 50 to 70% of fractures around elbow in children. Complications of malunion or growth deformities into cubitus varus or valgus necessitates the accurate reduction and union along with maintaining normal range of motion. Closed reduction and splintage in plasters fail to achieve these goals often, so percutaneous pinning with k wires from lateral condyle is assumed to help in managing these cases without aforesaid complications. Aim: To assess the functional outcome, union and complications if any associated with lateral pinning using K wires in supracondylar fractures in children. Materials and Methods: In prospective study design, total 30 cases of supracondylar fracture humerus in children treated at tertiary care teaching hospital in southern Rajasthan between January 2020 to October 2020 were included. The functional as well as radiological assessment and complications observation was done in regular follow up till fracture union. Results: All the 30 cases achieved solid union between 4 to 6 weeks duration. The functional outcome was satisfactory in 90% cases (including excellent and good results) using Flynn’s Criteria with 1 patient having fair range of motion and carrying angle while 2 patients had poor range of motion and cubitus varus developed. Conclusion: We concluded that preservation of the optimal function of elbow after supracondylar fracture humerus in children is satisfactorily achieved after fixing with lateral pinning using K wires with a short learning curve and minimal complications of malunion, cubitus varus or valgus deformity, loss of range of motion which are more in conservative management using plasters and no risk of ulnar nerve damage as seen in using cross wire fixation.