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Research Article: External fixation is not superior to K-wire fixation in pediatric patients with high-level extension-type supracondylar humeral fractures

Date Published: 2026-07-15

Abstract:
Supracondylar humerus fractures (SHFs) are among the most common fractures in pediatric patients. The following two surgical options are available for high-level extension-type pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures: Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation and lateral external fixation. Evidence comparing the clinical outcomes of these two procedures remains insufficient. This study aimed to compare functional and radiological outcomes between the two surgical approaches. This retrospective comparative study included 52 pediatric patients (15 treated with external fixation and 37 with K-wire fixation) with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Outcome measures included open reduction rate, post-operative carrying angle, Baumann angle, humeral-capitellar angle, and complication rates (infection, ulnar nerve injury, and unacceptable cubitus varus). Elbow range of motion (ROM) was evaluated at serial follow-up points. No ulnar nerve injury, major loss of reduction, pin-tract infection, or elbow stiffness occurred in either group. The only significant between-group difference was a lower open reduction rate in the external fixation group ( P =?0.042). No statistically significant differences were observed in Baumann angle, humeral-capitellar angle, Flynn grade, carrying angle, or elbow ROM between the groups. K-wire fixation and external fixation provide similarly satisfactory functional and radiological outcomes. External fixation offers no significant advantage over K-wire fixation for high-level extension-type supracondylar humeral fractures.

Introduction:
Supracondylar humerus fractures (SHFs) in children account for more than 50% of elbow fractures and represent the second most common pediatric fracture type, with an annual incidence of 308 per 100,000 children ( 1 – 3 ). An SHF is an extra-articular fracture; delayed or inadequate treatment may lead to elbow range of motion (ROM) limitation, malunion, neurovascular compromise, cubitus varus, or Volkmann's ischemia ( 4 – 7 ). SHFs are classified into extension (98%, distal fragment posteriorly displaced) and…

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