Open versus closed reduction and K-wire fixation for displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children

Abstract

Supracondylar fracture of the humerus is a common displaced type childhood fracture that is treated by two methods. To compare open and closed methods of reduction with 2 cross k-wire fixation, a retrospective comparative study of 66 paediatric patients with type III supracondylar fracture of the humerus, who were treated in two different hospitals utilizing two different protocols, was conducted. Group 1 was treated with open reduction and 2 cross k-wire fixation, and group 2 received the closed reduction and k-wire fixation protocol. Functional and cosmetic assessments were conducted utilizing the Flynn et al. outcome criteria. The test population consisted of 25 female (37.9%) and 41 male (62.1%) patients. There were 43 fractures (65.2%) in the right elbow and 23 fractures (34.8%) in the left. Group 2 (81.81%) stayed less than 4 days in the hospital, while 69.7% of group 1 stayed more than 5 days. Statistically, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between patients of both groups regarding the Flynn et al. criteria. Closed reduction technique was preferred because it required less hospitalization time and resulted in almost no visible surgical scars.