Outcome of close reduction and percutaneous pinning in displaced pediatric supracondylar fracture of humerus assessed by Flynn's criteria

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the adequacy of closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner [K]-wire fixation technique in treatment of unstable type II and III supracondylar humeral fractures in children by Flynn's Criteria. A descriptive study. Combined Military Hospital / Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from August 2008 to September 2012 Children with displaced type II and III supracondylar fractures of the humerus who were managed with closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation were included. All patients were operated upon within three days after trauma. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 4 +/- 1 months and assessed radiologically for union. Functionally and cosmetically they were assessed according to Flynn's criteria. Eighty nine children with displaced type II and III supracondylar fractures of the humerus were managed with closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation. There were 67 boys and 22 girls with a mean age of 7.2 +/- 2.07 year. All patients achieved solid union. Functionally, 94.4% patients achieved excellent and good while 4.5% had satisfactory results. Cosmetically 86.5% of patients had excellent and good results, 5.6% satisfactory and 7.9% had unsatisfactory results. The most frequent complication was minor pin tract infection in seven patients. Two patients had neuraprexia of ulnar nerve after pinning. The obtained results and few complications noted suggest that the technique is a suitable treatment option for displaced type II and III supracondylar fractures in children, if referred early