Comparison of Different Kirschner Wire Configurations in the Treatment of Pediatric Supracondylar Femoral Fractures: An Animal Experiment and Comparative Biomechanical Study

Background and Aims: Pediatric femoral fractures are rare among all pediatric fractures but are one of the most common causes of hospitalization due to trauma in children.Supracondylar femur fractures (SCFs) account for 12% of all femoral fractures in pediatric patients.However, the optimal treatment strategy for SCF fractures remains unclear.In this study, we aimed to evaluate the differences in stability among various percutaneous Kirschner (K) wire configurations in SCF fractures. Materials and Methods:This study was designed as an experimental, comparative biomechanical analysis using lamb bones.SCF fractures were created in 10 lamb femurs obtained from a slaughterhouse.The specimens were divided into five groups, each receiving different Kirschner wire configurations: Group 1: 2L, Group 2: 1M + 2L, Group 3: 3L, Group 4: 2M + 2L, and Group 5: 1M + 3L.K-wires of the same diameter were used across all groups.Axial compression, fatigue, and torsion tests were performed for biomechanical comparison.The minimum force and time at which the fixation began to fail, and the maximum force and time at which complete fracture occurred, were measured using a dynamometer.Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the initial fracture force, the force at which complete fracture occurred, or the time to fracture (p > 0.05).Although Group 3 demonstrated higher fracture time and strength compared to the other groups, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion:In this study, although the use of three lateral K-wires demonstrated the greatest mechanical stability, the difference was not statistically significant.Percutaneous K-wire fixation remains a valuable option for treating pediatric supracondylar femur fractures; however, further research is needed to determine the optimal number and configuration of wires.Although using three lateral K-wires showed the greatest mechanical stability, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05).Percutaneous K-wire fixation remains a useful option for treating pediatric supracondylar femur fractures, but more research is needed to determine the best wire number and configuration.