Results of treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children by K-wiring.

The supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children remains the most challenging injury for the orthopedic surgeon. It is important to consider the options of treatment very carefully and tailor the treatment according to the characteristics of each fracture. In this study we observed outcomes of surgical procedures using the Kirschner-wire for the dislocated (displaced) supracondylar fractures in 135 children (mean age 6.7 years). In 96 patients closed reposition (reduction) and fixation with crossed K-wire was done. A total of 41 children were operated by the means of open reposition and crossed K-wire fixation. Another 41 underwent similar (1-mm) K-wire application. In classifying the fractures Gartland classification of the supracondilar fractures of the humerus was used. Postoperatively, cubitus varus was found in seven, and cubitus valgus in three children (5% and 2% respectively). Stiffness of the elbow was recorded in 18 patients, while the paresis of the ulnar nerve was recorded in three cases (13 and 2% respectively). In conclusion, we can suggest crossed fixation while applying the K-wire throughout two cortexes, since such technique ensures the most superior fixation and stable osteosynthesis.