This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Supplementary material Submit a response View responses Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal My Folders Download to citation manager Google Scholar Articles by Fahmy, M. A. L. Articles by Al-Seesi, H. PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Fahmy, M. A. L. Articles by Al-Seesi, H.

Posterior intrafocal pinning for extension-type supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children

¹ Department of Orthopaedics, Al-Razi Orthopaedic Hospital, P. O. Box 4235, Safat, 13043, Kuwait.

Correspondence should be sent to Dr M. A. L. Fahmy; e-mail: malfahmy{at}hotmail.com

We describe a method of pinning extension supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. Following closed reduction, a posterior intrafocal wire is inserted and a second lateral wire added when needed for rotational stability. Between May 2002 and November 2005 we performed this technique in 69 consecutive patients. A single posterior wire was used in 29 cases, and two wires in 40. The mean follow-up was two years (21 to 30 months). The results were assessed according to Flynn’s criteria. In the single-wire group there were 21 excellent, five good and one poor result. Two patients were lost to follow-up. In the two-wire group there were 32 excellent, two good and three poor results. Three were lost to follow-up. The poor results were due to a failure to achieve adequate reduction, fixation or both.

We conclude that the intact posterior periosteal hinge can be used successfully in the clinical situation, giving results that compare well with other techniques of pinning. The posterior route offers an attractive alternative method for fixation of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.

eLetters: