A Comparative Study of Three Percutaneous Pinning Techniques for Paediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures

Supracondylar fracture is one of the most common elbow injuries in children (1). Currently, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of Gartland's types II and III supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children have become the standard method of treatment (2,3). However, controversy exists about the optimal K-wires configuration required to provide adequate fracture stability to maintain reduction and promote proper union while minimizing the risk of nerve injury (3,4). Biomechanical studies have shown increased rotational stability for crossed-pin fixation but significant rates of ulnar nerve injury have been reported (4-6). To achieve fracture stability and avoid ulnar nerve injury, many options have been mentioned in the literature; including medial lateral crossed pins, lateral crossed pins (Dorgan’s technique) and lateral parallel or divergent pins (2,7).