Comparison of Lateral Pinning and Cross Pinning Results in Pediatric Distal Humerus Supracondylar Gartland Type 3 Fractures

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes and complications of Gartland type 3 patients treated with lateral pinning and cross pinning in children aged between five and ten years. Methods: Seventy-four fractures participated in the study, and the data were analyzed. Patients in the lateral pinning group (n:41) were treated with the lateral entry pin alone, and patients in the cross pinning group (n:33) were treated with a combination of 2 lateral entry pins and one medial entry pin. Age, gender, fractured side, Vong Baker pain scale score, duration of surgery, postoperative complications, surgical approach, direction of pin application (lateral or cross), and Modified Flynn grading system grade was noted. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between lateral pinning and crossed pinning groups in terms of the grade of the Modified Flynn grading system and complications (iatrogenic ulnar nerve damage, loss of reduction, and superficial infection) (respectively, p: 0.138 and p: 0.991). Conclusion: When both techniques were performed carefully, successful clinical results were observed. If the surgeon detects intraoperative instability, s/he should not hesitate to pin the medial K-wire in order to increase stability.

Keywords:

Pediatric Fractures, Supracondylar Humerus Fractures Cross Pinning, Lateral Pinning.,

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