FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF K WIRE FIXATION USING LATERAL APPROACH IN CHILDREN IN SUPRACONDYLAR FRACTURE

Pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures are common elbow injuries, often requiring surgical intervention. The K-wire fixation technique, which uses the lateral approach, is widely used for treating displaced fractures, though the outcomes and complication rates vary. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the functional outcomes of K-wire fixation using the lateral approach in pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures based on Flynn’s criteria and to assess the associated complications. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving 60 pediatric patients aged 2–14 years with displaced supracondylar humerus fractures (Gartland Type II and III). All patients underwent K-wire fixation using the lateral approach. Postoperative follow-up was performed for six months, and functional outcomes were assessed using Flynn’s criteria, which evaluate cosmetic and functional results. Postoperative complications, including pin tract infection and wound infection, were documented. Descriptive statistics were applied, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 8.53 ± 4.75 years, with 63.3% male and 36.7% female. The average operative duration was 56.50 ± 8.32 minutes. Functional outcomes showed that 48 patients (80%) achieved excellent results, nine patients (15%) had good outcomes, and three patients (5%) had fair outcomes with no poor results. Complications were minimal, with one case each of pin tract infection and wound infection (1.7% each). Conclusion: K-wire fixation using the lateral approach for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures is safe and highly effective, yielding excellent functional outcomes and a low complication rate. This approach offers a reliable treatment option for displaced fractures in children, providing a high rate of success with minimal complications.