Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Surgical treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in children
1University of Freiburg Medical Center, Department for Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Germany.
Insights
Crossed Kirschner wire osteosynthesis is a safe and effective standard treatment for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures, demonstrating a low complication rate and high success in patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
Background:
- Supracondylar humerus fractures are common in children.
- Surgical techniques for these fractures are frequently debated.
- Crossed Kirschner wire osteosynthesis is a widely used method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the hospital's experience with crossed Kirschner wire technique.
- To compare this experience with existing literature on pediatric supracondylar fractures.
Main Methods:
- 86 children (1.7-12.7 years) treated with crossed K-wire osteosynthesis (2000-2006).
- Average follow-up of 32 months.
- Outcomes assessed using von Laer's criteria.
Main Results:
- Low complication rate: K-wire migration (7%), secondary dislocation/re-operation (4%).
- Radial nerve injury in 2 cases.
- 83% satisfactory outcomes, with minor varization (11%) and range of motion issues (13%).
Conclusions:
- Crossed Kirschner wire osteosynthesis is a safe and standard procedure for stabilizing pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.
- The technique is associated with a low complication rate.
- High success rates support its continued use in pediatric fracture management.
Purpose Of The Study:
Surgical techniques for the treatment of supracondylar fractures in children are repeatedly the subject of discussion. The aim of the present study was to compare experience with the technique of crossed Kirschner wires at our own hospital with current literature.
Patients And Methods:
In the period from 2000-2006 a total of 86 children aged 1.7 to 12.7 years were treated by means of crossed K-wire osteosynthesis. Follow up was conducted at an average of 32 months. Outcomes were evaluated based on von Laer's criteria.
Results:
Reported complications were migration of the K-wires in 7% of cases and secondary dislocation and re-operation in 4% of cases. Lesion of the radial nerve was diagnosed postoperatively in two cases. Hospital stay was 1.5 days on average. Postoperative immobilization in an upper arm splint and implant removal after 6 weeks on average. 57% of the children received physiotherapy during the course of treatment. Slight varization was found in 11% of children and an unsatisfactory range of motion in 13%. Satisfactory outcomes were recorded for 83% of patients.
Conclusion:
K-wire osteosynthesis is associated with a low complication rate and continues to be a safe standard procedure for the stabilization of supracondylar humerus fractures. Key words: supracondylar humerus fracture, Kirschner wires, paediatric fractures.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:19Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus