Outcome of open reduction internal fixation with cross K-wires for supracondylar fracture of humerus in terms of Flynn's criteria in children

Objectives: To determine the outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of supracondylar fracture of humerus in children using Flynn's criteria. Methods: The quasi-experimentalstudy was conducted at Punjab Medical College/Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan from July 2012 to June 2014and comprised children aged between 5 and 12 years with supracondylar fracture of humerus presenting within one week of the fracture. Post-surgery follow-up included clinical assessment and measurement of carrying angle on radiographs. Outcome was assessed using Flynn's criteria. SPSS 17 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 79 cases, 50(63.3 %) were boys and 29(36.7%) girls. Overall mean age was 7.36 +/- 1.68 years. Excellent results were obtained in 58(73.4%), good in 14(17.7%), fair in 5(6.4%) and poor in 2(2.5%) patients in terms of functional and cosmetic outcome. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of supracondylar fracture was found to be a better choice of treatment with good functional results.