COMPARISON OF CONVENTIONAL CROSS-K WIRES VERSUS DORGAN'S TECHNIQUE FOR SUPRACONDYLAR FRACTURES IN CHILDREN
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59058/1h7yk476Keywords:
Keywords: Gartland type III fracture, K-wire fixation, Supracondylar humerus fracture, Dorgan's technique, ulnar nerve injuryAbstract
Background & Objectives: Supracondylar humerus fractures are one of the most common fractures in
childhood. The traditional treatment utilizing cross-K-wire fixation is biomechanically stable, it poses a
considerable risk of ulnar nerve injury. Dorgan's technique, employing lateral cross K-wires, presents a
viable alternative by reducing the complication rate. This study assessed the outcomes of standard cross-Kwire fixation compared to Dorgan's technique in paediatric patients for treatment of type III supracondylar
fractures.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedics, Mayo
Hospital, Lahore. A total of 72 paediatric patients with Gartland type III supracondylar fractures were
randomly distributed to two groups: Group A(n=36) received traditional cross K-wire fixation, while Group
B (n=36) received Dorgan's technique. Patients were monitored for six weeks, and outcomes were evaluated
based on operative time, ulnar nerve injury, union rate, pin track infection, as well as cosmetic and functional
outcomes as per Flynn's criteria.
Results: The incidence of ulnar nerve palsy was less in Group B (p = 0.013). Fracture healing rate was higher
in Group B (88.9% vs 77.8%) (p = 0.206). Based on Flynn's criteria, Group B demonstrated significantly
superior cosmetic (58.3% vs 47.2% excellent, p < 0.001) and functional results (52.8% vs 44.4% excellent, p
< 0.001) than Group A.
Conclusion: Dorgan's technique had less incidence of ulnar nerve injury and better cosmetic and functional
results than traditional cross K-wire fixation. Furthermore, it provides a safer and similarly effective option
for addressing type III supracondylar humeral fractures in children.
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