Paediatric Lateral Humeral Condyle Fractures Managed by K-wire Fixation, Should the Wires be Buried or Left Exposed: A Prospective Study

Background: Children frequently suffer fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus. They may require surgical reduction and fixation with Kirschner wires(K-wires) if they are displaced or unstable. These may be passed through the skin and left exposed or buried subcutaneously.

Aims and Objectives: The study was carried to determine the preferable method of K-wire placement (buried vs exposed) wrt lateral condylar fractures managed by K-wire fixation.

Materials and Methods: From January, 2019 to March,2020, a prospective study was conducted in the department of orthopaedics at my college. A total of 37 individuals were involved in the research.

Results: Patients were followed for three months, with outcomes based on union, infection, carrying angle at the elbow, and range of motion (ROM) as measured by clinico-radiological methods.

Conclusion: The buried wire group had a higher rate of union than the exposed wire group, and the wires could be removed under local anaesthetic, avoiding any significant procedures. The risk of infection is also lower, making this a preferable option than the exposed cohort.