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The dinner fork technique for treating displaced lateral condylar fractures of the humerus in children
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
Insights
A modified dinner fork provides a simple, inexpensive tool for pediatric fracture reduction and Kirschner wire insertion. This adaptable device aids in treating distal humerus fractures and other pediatric bone injuries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Surgical instrumentation
Background:
- Displaced lateral condylar fractures of the distal humerus in children present unique reduction challenges.
- Existing surgical instruments may be costly or complex for certain pediatric fracture applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the creation and application of a novel, low-cost instrument for fracture reduction and Kirschner wire guidance.
- To evaluate the utility of a modified "dinner fork" in managing pediatric distal humerus fractures.
Main Methods:
- A standard dinner fork was modified using pliers to create a fracture reduction and guide instrument.
- The instrument was utilized for reducing, compressing, and guiding Kirschner wire insertion in pediatric distal humerus fractures.
Main Results:
- The modified dinner fork proved effective as a simple and inexpensive aid for fracture reduction and fixation.
- The device facilitated precise Kirschner wire insertion in displaced lateral condylar fractures of the distal humerus.
Conclusions:
- A modified dinner fork serves as a practical, cost-effective instrument for specific pediatric fracture management.
- This adaptable surgical tool has potential applications in treating various pediatric fractures, offering a valuable alternative to conventional methods.
Abstract:
A simple, inexpensive fracture-reduction instrument and guide for Kirschner wire insertion can be constructed using a "dinner fork" and pliers. The modified dinner fork is particularly useful as an aid for reducing, compressing, and fixing displaced lateral condylar fractures of the distal humerus in children. This device is effective and simple to use; it can be applied to other pediatric fractures as well.