Clinical Report: Comparative Analysis of K-wire Fixation and External Fixation in Pediatric Patients with High-Level Extension-Type Supracondylar Humeral Fractures

Overview

This study compares the functional and radiological outcomes of K-wire fixation and external fixation in pediatric patients with high-level extension-type supracondylar humeral fractures.

Background

Supracondylar humerus fractures (SHFs) are prevalent in pediatric populations, representing a significant portion of elbow fractures. Proper management is crucial to prevent complications such as malunion and neurovascular compromise. This study addresses the ongoing debate regarding the optimal surgical approach for high-level extension-type SHFs.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• No significant differences in Baumann angle, humeral-capitellar angle, Flynn grade, carrying angle, or elbow ROM between K-wire and external fixation groups.
• Lower open reduction rate observed in the external fixation group (P = 0.042).
• No complications such as ulnar nerve injury or pin-tract infection occurred in either group.
• Both surgical methods provided satisfactory functional and radiological outcomes.
• Study included 52 pediatric patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year.

Clinical Implications

Both K-wire fixation and external fixation are surgical options for high-level extension-type SHFs in children.

Conclusion

K-wire fixation and external fixation yield comparable results in managing high-level extension-type supracondylar humeral fractures in pediatric patients.

Related Resources & Content

1. Safety and Efficacy of Open Plate Fixation for Displaced Proximal Humerus Fractures in Children: Achieving Excellent Functional Results, 2024
2. Non-rotational medial pinning with the K-Hammer technique in pediatric supracondylar fractures: a retrospective case-control study, 2026
3. Initial Complications Associated with Percutaneous K-wire Stabilization in Pediatric Distal Radius Fractures: A Prospective Cohort Analysis, 2023
4. Treatment of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures, 2016
5. External fixation is not superior to K-wire fixation in pediatric patients with high-level extension type supracondylar humeral fracture, 2026
6. Midterm Clinical and Radiological Outcomes Following Treatment of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Pilonidal Fracture Dislocations Using a Parabolic Dynamic External Fixator
7. AAOS Guidelines on Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures
8. Recent Comparative Data on External Fixation vs K-wire Fixation
9. Comparison of Crossed Versus Lateral Pinning in Fixation of Extension Type of Supracondylar Humerus Fracture in Pediatric Age Group- A Randomized Control Trial - PubMed