Objectives: To compare the complications and outcomes of lateral entry pin fixation with medial and lateral pin fixation for Gartland type III supracondylar fractures of humerus. Methodology: This prospective comparative study involving 190 patients of Gartland type III close supracondylar fractures were included. from March-2019 to Dec-2020. In all patients, initially the elbow was mobilized using the splint placed above the elbow joint at 30 to 45 degrees’ flexion. After closed reduction, lateral pinning was applied in group I and in group II lateral and medial cross pinning was applied using the standard protocol. Patients were followed for iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, radiologic and function outcomes in-terms of loss of reduction, elbow range of motion, loss in carrying angle and functional outcomes. Results: The two groups were comparable for loss of elbow range of motion, loss of carrying angle and loss of Bauman's angle. On clinical examination, immediate post-operative ulnar nerve injury was diagnosed in 4 (4.2%) cases in group II and in no patient in group I (p-value 0.12). Satisfactory functional outcomes were achieved in 85 (89.5%) patients in group I and in 88 (92.6%) patients in group II (p-value 0.44). Conclusion: Lateral pinning provided stable fixation clinically and radiologically as compared to lateral and medial cross pinning. Keywords: Supracondylar fracture of Humerus, Iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, Lateral pin entry, lateral and medial cross pin entry.
Comparison of cross pinning versus lateral three pins in type three supracondylar fracture of distal humerus in children.