Percutaneous pinning through the elbow joint versus cross-pinning for paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures: a retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Supracondylar humeral fractures are common in children and require early surgical intervention to prevent complications. Although percutaneous pinning is a standard treatment, the optimal pinning technique remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the outcomes of lateral and through-the-elbow joint pinning (group J) and cross-pinning (group C) for paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included paediatric patients with supracondylar humeral fractures treated at two trauma centres. Group J underwent lateral and through-the-elbow joint pinning, whereas group C underwent cross-pinning. Clinical data, including demographics, surgical details, complications, and radiological assessments, were collected and compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Both groups exhibited similar demographic and clinical characteristics, except for the timing of post-operative Kirschner wire removal. No significant differences were found in elbow range of motion or the incidence of complications between groups J and C. Radiologically, there were no significant differences in fracture union or reduction loss between the groups, although group C showed larger Baumann and tilting angles than group J.

CONCLUSIONS

Lateral and through-the-elbow joint pinning demonstrated outcomes comparable to those of cross-pinning in paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures. Both techniques resulted in minimal reduction loss, with no cases of ulnar nerve palsy. These findings suggest that lateral and through-the-elbow joint pinning is a viable alternative to cross-pinning, potentially reducing the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury.