Vol. 11, Issue 3 (2025)

Introduction: Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common elbow injuries in children, usually caused by falls on an outstretched hand. Treatment options range from closed reduction with immobilization to surgical fixation with Kirschner wires (K-wires). Closed reduction with percutaneous pinning is preferred as it provides stable fixation, maintains reduction, and minimizes complications such as cubitus varus and neurovascular injury.

Methods: This retrospective study included 68 children (aged 2-15 years) with supracondylar humerus fractures treated at a level-one trauma center between January 2020 and September 2023. All patients underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning under general anesthesia, followed by immobilization in a long arm slab. Postoperative care involved neurovascular monitoring and regular radiographic evaluations. K-wires were removed after 4-6 weeks, with follow-up continued for at least 3 months. Functional outcomes were assessed using the modified Flynn’s criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: The mean patient age was 6.7 years, with males comprising 63.2% of cases. The left side was injured in 61.7%. Gartland type IIIA fractures were most common (38.2%). Most surgeries (69.1%) were performed within 24 hours, and two lateral K-wires were used in 70.6% of cases. The median immobilization period was 4.5 weeks. Complications included superficial pin tract infections in 10.3% cases, with no deep infections. According to the modified Flynn’s criteria, 83.8% of patients achieved excellent outcomes, 13.2% had good outcomes, and 1.5% (one case) had a poor outcome due to iatrogenic ulnar nerve palsy.

Conclusions: Closed reduction with percutaneous pinning is a reliable treatment for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures, yielding excellent functional results and low complication rates. Attention to surgical technique is essential to minimize nerve injury.