Abstract

Aim: The study's objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of Kirschner wires (K-wire) and cannulated cancellous screws (CC) for internal fixation of paediatric patients with displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures.
Materials and Methods: The study comprised 46 individuals with a displaced lateral condyle fracture of the humerus. Open reduction and internal fixation were used to treat the patients using two K-wires or 4mm CC screw. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Hardacre et al. criteria, and fractures were categorised using Milch classification.
Results: Each group contained 23 patients, with a mean age of 6.57 years (range 2 to 12 years). Compared to Milch type I (n=12), Milch type II was more prevalent (n=34). The average time for fracture union was 4.13 weeks for the CC screw group and 4.61 weeks for the K-wire group. P value equals 0.026. K-wires and CC screws were typically removed at 4.57 weeks and 13.57 weeks, respectively. The average follow-up for the K-wire group was 12.52 months, compared to 13.83 months for the CC screw. In the K-wire group, three patients (6.5%) had superficial pin site infection, two patients (4.3%) had lateral condyle prominence, and only one patient (2.2%) had lateral condyle prominence in the CC screw group.
Conclusion: For displaced lateral condyle fractures of the humerus, open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires or cannulated cancellous screws are both effective treatment options. However, screw fixation offers absolute stability at the fracture site, improving fracture healing, lowering the risk of lateral prominence, and enabling early range of motion and activity in the affected elbow.