Transolecranon and lateral Kirschner wire fixation for displaced supracondylar humeral fracture in children

Abstract

Purpose. To evaluate the outcome after closed reduction and pinning using a Kirschner wire inserted laterally and another inserted vertically through the olecranon for displaced supracondylar humeral fractures. Methods. 39 boys and 11 girls aged 2 to 12 (mean, 7.27) years underwent closed reduction and pinning using a Kirschner wire inserted laterally and another inserted vertically through the olecranon for posteromedially (n=28), posterolaterally (n=7), or posteriorly (n=15) displaced extension-type supracondylar humeral fractures (Gartland types II and III). Results. Compared with the uninjured elbows, the injured elbows had a mean loss of flexion of 4.52º (p<0.001), a mean loss of extension of 1.7º (p=0.008), and mean change in carrying angle of 3.47º (p<0.001). According to the Flynn grading system, outcome was excellent in 35 patients, good in 9, fair in 2, and poor in 4. Outcome did not differ significantly between patients aged 2 to 4, 5 to 8, and 9 to 12 years or between those operated on within 24 hours of injury and those operated on 2 to 5 days after injury. One patient developed superficial pin tract infection, and 2 patients developed cubitus varus deformity. No patient sustained iatrogenic nerve injury. Conclusion. Transolecranon vertical and lateral Kirschner wire fixation is a viable option for displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children, especially when there is massive swelling.