A Randomized Control Trial Comparing Effectiveness of Cross K-Wire and Lateral KWire Fixation Techniques in Reducing Gartland Type 3 Supracondylar Fractures of children
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51985/Keywords:
Humeral fractures, Postoperative complications, Treatment outcomesAbstract
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of cross K-wire fixation versus lateral entry K-wire fixation in maintaining postoperative reduction of Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures in children.
Study Design and Settings: A randomized control trial was conducted at Orthopaedics Department, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, from 25th June 2025 to 10th December 2025.
Methodology: Ninety children aged 2–13 years with closed Gartland type III supracondylar fractures were randomly allocated into two groups: cross K-wire fixation (n = 45) and lateral entry K-wire fixation (n = 45). All patients underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning under general anesthesia. Standardized 1.5 mm K-wires were used in both groups.
Results: Loss of reduction occurred in 20% of patients in the cross-pin group compared to 71.1% in the lateral entry group (p < 0.01). Baumann’s angle remained more stable in the cross-pin group (p = 0.01), and anterior humeral line integrity was preserved 73.3% patients of Cross K-Wire group as compared to 55.5% of Lateral Entry K-Wire group. No permanent ulnar nerve injuries were reported in either group, although transient postoperative concerns were slightly higher in the cross-pin group.
Conclusion: Cross K-wire fixation was more effective than lateral entry K-wire fixation in maintaining postoperative reduction in Gartland type III supracondylar fractures in children.
Keywords: Humeral fractures, Postoperative complications, Treatment outcomes
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Junaid Khan, Shahid Mahmood, Muhammad Naeem Malik, Irfan Ali Shujah, Zahid Iqbal, Muhammad Arslan Ghori (Author)
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