A Comparative Study of Management of Supracondylar Fracture of Humerus in Children by Two Techniques: An Institutional Based Prospective Study

Background: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are the most frequent fractures affecting the paediatric elbow and their correct management is important because they can cause catastrophic complications. Hence; the present study was undertaken for comparing the efficacy of two different techniques of management of Supracondylar Fracture of Humerus in Children. Subjects and Methods: A total of 30 children with displaced supracondylar fractures who presented to the emergency department were recruited in this study. Group 1 consisted of patients who were treated with medial lateral pin fixation, and group 2 consisted of patients who were treated with 2 lateral parallel pin fixations. Treatment was carried out in all the patients under septic conditions under the hands of skilled and experienced orthopaedic surgeons. Outcome was assessed in all the patients and was compared. All the results were summarized in Microsoft excel sheet and were analysed by SPSS software. Results: Mean elbow extension loss among subjects of group 1 was 7.08 degree while among the subjects of group 2 was 7.09 degree. Mean elbow flexion loss among subjects of group 1 was 9.57 degree while among the subjects of group 2 was 10.28 degree. Non-significant results were obtained while comparing the mean elbow extension and elbow flexion loss among subjects of both the study groups. Conclusion: Both the techniques can be used with equal efficacy for treating supracondylar fractures of humerus in children.