Abstract: Introduction: Supracondylar humerus fracture is one of the commonest fractures of upper limb in children. The commonly accepted treatment of this fracture is closed reduction with percutaneous pinning, although controversy persists regarding the optimal pin-fixation technique. The aim of this study was at comparing the functional outcome of percutaneous crossed pinning with lateral pinning for the treatment of type 3 Supracondylar humerus fractures in children.
Materials and Methods: The study was a single center, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial in 30 cases. Study included Children in the age group of 3-18 years with closed fractures without any prior neurological deficit. All percutaneous pinning were done according to a uniform standardized technique. An analysis of result with regards to the ulnar nerve injury, carrying angle and range of motion was made in 15 children each with lateral pinning and crossed pinning. The primary study end points were major loss of reduction and iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. Secondary stud y end points included radiographic measurements, clinical alignment, Range of motion, function and complications.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference with regards to functional outcome and range of motion, between the two groups. The average change in carrying angle was 2.6 degrees for crossed pinning and 2.8 degrees for the lateral pinning group. Pin tract infection (6.6%), ulnar nerve palsy (3.33%) and loss of reduction (5%) occurred as complications.
Conclusion: If a uniform standardized operative technique is followed, then the results of both the percutaneous fixation methods will be same in terms of safety and efficacy.
