Comparison of Kirschner wires and AO cannulated screw internal fixation for displaced lateral humeral condyle fracture in children

Purpose

This retrospective study compares Kirschner wires versus 3.5-mm diameter AO cannulated screw internal fixation in treatment for the displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures.

Methods

The study included 62 patients (42 boys, 20 girls; mean age 6.93 years; age range two to 14 years) with displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures. All patients were treated by open reduction and Kirschner wires or cannulated screw fixation. The clinical outcomes were evaluated according to the criteria of Hardacre et al. The mean follow-up period was 39.4 months (range 21–95 months).

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in clinical outcome between these two groups (P > 0.05). Five patients (16.7%) developed skin infection around K-wires, while no infection occurred in fracture with screws. An obvious lateral prominence occurred in 11 (36.7%) patients with K-wires and four (12.5%) patients with screws. Nine (30%) patients with K-wires and two (6.3%) patients with screws had a lack of 10° of extension of the elbow compared with the other side.

Conclusion

Both K-wires and cannulated screw fixation are effective in treatment for displaced lateral humeral condyle fracture. K-wires can pass through the ossific nucleus of capitulum without damaging it, but a longer period of external fixation and local skin care will be required. The screws can reduce the possibility of lateral prominence and promote the function of elbow by continuously stabilising the fracture, but a second operation is need for screw removal.