Posterior Intra-focal wiring for extension type supracondylar humeral fractures in children

Abstract

Background: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children continue to possess treatment challenges for the surgeon. The aim of this work was to assess the outcome of posterior intra-focal pinning for extension-type supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. Methods: This study was carried out on 21 children with clinical criteria of supracondylar fracture of the humerus. All patients were treated by closed reduction and internal fixation with posterior intra-focal pinning from posterior cortex and one or two lateral Kirschner wires.Results: According to Gartland classification all cases were extension type, 15 of them were type II (71%), 6 were type III (29%), operative time range was (30-90) minutes, the follow up period was 6months average. According to Flynn’s criteria, 11 patients had excellent results, 7 patients had good results, 2 patients had fair results and 1 patient had poor results. Patients were rapidly mobilized after pin removal (3 - 6) weeks. Only one patient had hyperextension. Two patients had cubitus varus. Approximately three-quarters of the patients (71.4%) had no complications.Conclusions: Treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children by closed reduction and internal fixation with posterior intra-focal pinning is a stable method of fixation with complete ulnar nerve protection.