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

[Reconstruction of medial and lateral column periosteal hinge using Kirschner wire to assist in closed reduction of multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures in children]

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of medial and lateral column periosteal hinge reconstruction using Kirschner wire in the closed reduction of multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures in children.

Methods

A clinical data of 43 children with multi-direction unstable humeral supracondylar fractures, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between August 2020 and August 2022, was retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-one cases of fractures were treated wuth closed reduction after medial and lateral column periosteal hinge reconstruction using Kirschner wire and percutaneous Kirschner wires fixation (study group), while 22 cases of fractures were treated by traditional closed reduction technique and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, fracture side, and interval from injury to operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, the number of children who were changed to open reduction after closed reduction failure, fracture healing time, complications within 2 months after operation, and the Flynn score of elbow joint function at last follow-up were compared between the two groups.

Results

All the fractures in the study group were successfully closed reduction, and 4 cases in the control group were changed to open reduction and completed the operation, the difference between the two groups was significant ( P=0.040). The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times of the study group were significantly less than those of the control group ( P<0.05). All children in both groups were followed up 6-18 months with an average of 9.0 months in the study group and 9.8 months in the control group. Imaging review showed that the fractures of both groups healed, and the difference in the healing time between the two groups was not significant ( P=0.373). According to Flynn score at last follow-up, the excellent and good rate of elbow joint function was 95.2% (20/21) in the study group and 86.4% (19/22) in the control group, with no significant difference ( P=0.317). There was no complication such as infection or irritation at the end of Kirchner wire within 2 months after operation.

Conclusion

For children with multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures, the use of Kirschner wires to reconstruct the medial and lateral column periosteal hinge to assist in closed reduction has the advantages of shortening operation time, reducing intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and effectively reducing the incidence of open reduction, and can achieve similar postoperative elbow joint function when compared with traditional closed reduction technique.

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

(1) Background: Displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in pediatric patients can be treated by either antegrade nailing (AN) or percutaneous crossed pinning (PCP). The aim of this study was to compare the intra- and perioperative management, complications and outcome of AN and PCP. (2) Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 271 individuals (median age 5 years, IQR 4-7 years) who underwent AN (n = 173) or PCP (n = 98). Patient history was analyzed for incidence of nerve injuries, postoperative treatment, postoperative malrotation, time of hospital stay, time to implant removal and revision rate. Operative procedures were investigated for duration and radiation exposure. (3) Results: PCP was associated with a significantly lower radiation exposure (dose area product: PCP mean 20.1 cGycm² vs. AN mean 34.7 cGycm², p < 0.001; fluoroscopy time: PCP mean 1.1 min, range 0.1-8.1 min, vs. AN mean 1.5 min, range 0.1-7.1 min, p < 0.001), duration of surgery (PCP mean 32.2 min vs. AN mean 48.3 min, p < 0.001) and time to implant removal (PCP mean 37 days vs. AN mean 113 days, p < 0.001). Cast removal was performed earlier in the AN group (PCP mean 30.2 days vs. AN mean 20.4 days, p < 0.001) and there were fewer iatrogenic nerve lesions (PCP: 24% vs. AN: 8%, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: In the investigated study population, the analyzed parameters seem to favor the use of PCP. The advantages of AN should be weighed against its drawbacks. For special indications, AN remains a relevant technique in supracondylar fracture treatment, and surgeons should be familiar with this procedure.