Do K-wire Configurations and Numbers Have Effects on Gartland Type 3 Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures?

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare pin configuration effects on early secondary displacement in the surgical treatment of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHF).
 
 Methods: The study consisted of 100 (68M, 32F) children who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2013 for Gartland Type 3 (SCHF). The patients were divided into five groups according to the top configurations. The average age at the time of injury was 7.34 (between 2 and 14 years). Bauman angle (BA), Humerocapital angle (HCA), Anterior humeral line (AHL), flexion range, extension range, and Carrying angle (CA) were compared at preoperative, postoperative 1st-day, postoperative last control, and non-operated side. 
 
 Results: There was no statistical difference between all five subgroups in terms of BA, AHL, HCA, and CA were the same on postoperative 1st-day and postoperative last control. Also, there was no statistically significant difference was observed between age, sex, and type of fracture. Five of the cases have pin site infection and in three patients occurred ulnar nerve injury due to initial trauma. 
 
 Conclusion: After a good and gentle reduction and early treatment of pediatric SCHF, all pin configurations maintain alignment. All pin configurations can be used for stabilization.