CLOSED REDUCTION AND PERCUTANEOUS KIRSCHNER WIRE FIXATION OF DISPLACED SUPRACONDYLAR FRACTURES OF HUMERUS IN CHILDREN

Displaced supracondylar fractures have a very sinister presentation with a high probability of neurovascular injuries. They also have a high rate of displacement and if not reduced and stabilized in optimal position may lead to serious residual deformity. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the results of stabilization of these fractures by closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation. Twenty-one males and seven females with ages ranging from 3 to 14 years who required closed reduction and internal fixation using percutaneous Kirschner wire for fresh displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus between October 2012 and November 2014 were selected. The Kirschner wires were passed percutaneously under C-arm control from the lateral epicondyle in varying geometry or configuration to achieve fracture stability. Each patient was followed up for at least two years and results were graded using the Flynn's criteria. They were graded as excellent 24 (85.72%) cases, good in 2 (10.71%) cases and only 01 (03.57%) case had a poor result. There were no fair results at the end of final follow up. For acceptable closed reduction Baumann's angle should be within 4 degrees of the normal side and fracture fixation should be done with minimum of 3 Kirschner wires. This method is safe even in presence of swelling with shorter hospital stay and consistently satisfactory results considering cosmetic and functional outcome.