Objective:

To compare functional and radiological outcomes between K-wire fixation and lateral external fixation for high-level extension-type pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures.

Approach:

• Study Design: A retrospective comparative study involving 52 pediatric patients with Gartland Type II or III extension-type SHFs, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year.
• Outcome Measures: Included open reduction rate, post-operative carrying angle, Baumann angle, humeral-capitellar angle, complication rates, and elbow range of motion (ROM).

Key Findings:

• No ulnar nerve injury, major loss of reduction, pin-tract infection, or elbow stiffness occurred in both groups.
• The external fixation group had a lower open reduction rate (P = 0.042).
• No statistically significant differences in Baumann angle, humeral-capitellar angle, Flynn grade, carrying angle, or elbow ROM between the groups.

Interpretation:

K-wire fixation and external fixation provide similarly satisfactory functional and radiological outcomes.

Limitations:

• Retrospective design may introduce selection bias.
• Limited sample size may affect generalizability.

Conclusion:

External fixation offers no significant advantage over K-wire fixation for high-level extension-type supracondylar humeral fractures.