Objectives: To compare the complications and outcomes of lateral entry pin fixation with medial and lateral pin fixation for Gartland type III supracondylar fractures of humerus. Methodology: This prospective comparative study involving 190 patients of Gartland type III close supracondylar fractures were included. from March-2019 to Dec-2020. In all patients, initially the elbow was mobilized using the splint placed above the elbow joint at 30 to 45 degrees’ flexion. After closed reduction, lateral pinning was applied in group I and in group II lateral and medial cross pinning was applied using the standard protocol. Patients were followed for iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, radiologic and function outcomes in-terms of loss of reduction, elbow range of motion, loss in carrying angle and functional outcomes. Results: The two groups were comparable for loss of elbow range of motion, loss of carrying angle and loss of Bauman's angle. On clinical examination, immediate post-operative ulnar nerve injury was diagnosed in 4 (4.2%) cases in group II and in no patient in group I (p-value 0.12). Satisfactory functional outcomes were achieved in 85 (89.5%) patients in group I and in 88 (92.6%) patients in group II (p-value 0.44). Conclusion: Lateral pinning provided stable fixation clinically and radiologically as compared to lateral and medial cross pinning. Keywords: Supracondylar fracture of Humerus, Iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, Lateral pin entry, lateral and medial cross pin entry.
Ulnar nerve injury after a comminuted fracture of the humeral shaft from a high-velocity accident: a case report
