Functional and radiological outcomes of different pin configuration for displaced pediatric supracondylar humeral fracture: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

BACKGROUND The most widely accepted treatment for pediatric supracondylar humeral fracture is closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP). However, there is debate regarding the technique that is utilized, whether crossed or lateral pinning, and the number of pins used. AIM To compare the functional and radiological outcomes of lateral and cross pinning in the management of humeral supracondylar fracture. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 101 patients who were surgically managed by either one of the CRPP techniques from 2015 to 2019. Several clinical parameters were taken into account, including pre- and post-intervention Baumann angle, as well as scores for pain, range of motion, function, and stability. Statistical analysis was performed to study the outcomes of the utilized techniques. RESULTS Amongst our study sample, which included 63 males and 38 females with a mean age of 5.87 years, about one-third of the patients underwent crossed pinning fixation configuration and the remaining two-thirds were managed by lateral pinning configuration. Similar results were obtained in the two groups with no statistical difference regarding Mayo elbow performance scores (MEPS) and Baumann angle. The mean MEPS in the lateral and crossed pinning groups were 93.68 + 8.59 and 93.62 + 9.05, respectively. The mean Baumann angle was 72.5° + 6.46 in the lateral group and 72.3° + 4.70 in the crossed-pinning group ( P = 0.878). CONCLUSION Both lateral pinning and crossed pinning fixation configuration for displaced pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures provide similar functional and radiological outcomes.

Beneficial Perioperative Aspects Favor the Use of Percutaneous Crossed Pinning over Antegrade Nailing in Pediatric Supracondylar Fractures—A Retrospective Comparative Study

“…As a further alternative, pure lateral pin fixation could reduce the risk of nerve injury [29,30]. Recent investigations describe similar functional and radiological outcomes of PCP and lateral fixation [31,32], while loss of torsional stability seems to be a problem after lateral fixation [21,33].…”

Functional and Radiological Outcome of Gartland Type 2 and 3 Supracondylar Fracture Humerus in Children Treated by Percutaneous Pinning

“…In contrast, lateral pinning is less biomechanically stable but protects the ulnar nerve. 9 Although the functional end results of fracture are generally excellent, the cosmetic end results are frequently less than average. The functional and radiological outcomes of fracture Supracondylar Humerus should be monitored because they may differ from the immediate post-management status.…”