Research Article: Beneficial Perioperative Aspects Favor the Use of Percutaneous Crossed Pinning over Antegrade Nailing in Pediatric Supracondylar Fractures—A Retrospective Comparative Study
Abstract:
(1) Background: Displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in pediatric patients can be treated by either antegrade nailing (AN) or percutaneous crossed pinning (PCP). The aim of this study was to compare the intra- and perioperative management, complications and outcome of AN and PCP. (2) Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 271 individuals (median age 5 years, IQR 4–7 years) who underwent AN (n = 173) or PCP (n = 98). Patient history was analyzed for incidence of nerve injuries, postoperative treatment, postoperative malrotation, time of hospital stay, time to implant removal and revision rate. Operative procedures were investigated for duration and radiation exposure. (3) Results: PCP was associated with a significantly lower radiation exposure (dose area product: PCP mean 20.1 cGycm2 vs. AN mean 34.7 cGycm2, p < 0.001; fluoroscopy time: PCP mean 1.1 min, range 0.1–8.1 min, vs. AN mean 1.5 min, range 0.1–7.1 min, p < 0.001), duration of surgery (PCP mean 32.2 min vs. AN mean 48.3 min, p < 0.001) and time to implant removal (PCP mean 37 days vs. AN mean 113 days, p < 0.001). Cast removal was performed earlier in the AN group (PCP mean 30.2 days vs. AN mean 20.4 days, p < 0.001) and there were fewer iatrogenic nerve lesions (PCP: 24% vs. AN: 8%, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: In the investigated study population, the analyzed parameters seem to favor the use of PCP. The advantages of AN should be weighed against its drawbacks. For special indications, AN remains a relevant technique in supracondylar fracture treatment, and surgeons should be familiar with this procedure.
Introduction:
With an incidence of 177.3 per 100.000, supracondylar humeral fractures are commonly encountered in pediatric patients [1] and account for 55% to 80% of all elbow fractures [2]. These non-articular distal metaphyseal fractures usually occur within the first decade of life with a peak between 6 to 10 years of age. The fracture rate for boys is up to 1.6 times higher than that for girls [3]. The internationally used Gartland classification was introduced in 1959 and distinguishes three fracture entities based on the…
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