Clinical Report: Medial Pinning Without Rotation Using the K-Hammer Technique
Overview
The K-Hammer technique for medial pinning in pediatric supracondylar fractures resulted in fewer pin attempts and shorter operative time compared to conventional methods. The study reported no cases of ulnar nerve injury in the K-Hammer group versus 11.9% in the Freehand group.
Background
Pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures are common and can lead to serious complications, including ulnar nerve injury during surgical intervention. The K-Hammer technique offers a novel approach to medial pin placement, aiming to minimize these risks while maintaining effective fracture stabilization.
Data Highlights
Outcome
K-Hammer Group
Freehand Group
P-value
Medial Pin Attempts
1.0 (IQR: 1.0–1.0)
2.0 (IQR: 1.0–2.0)
< 0.001
Operative Time (min)
32.8 ± 6.9
37.9 ± 9.2
0.006
Iatrogenic Ulnar Nerve Injury
0% (0/38)
11.9% (5/42)
0.056
Key Findings
The K-Hammer technique resulted in significantly fewer medial pin attempts compared to the Freehand technique.
Operative time was shorter in the K-Hammer group, averaging 32.8 minutes.
There were no cases of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in the K-Hammer group, compared to 11.9% in the Freehand group.
Both groups showed comparable radiographic and functional outcomes at follow-up.
Intraoperative pink pulseless hand rates were similar between both groups.
Clinical Implications
Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Conclusion
The K-Hammer technique demonstrates differences in medial pin attempts and operative time compared to conventional methods, with no ulnar nerve injuries reported in the K-Hammer group.
