Outcome Analysis of Fixation with Titanium Kirschner Wire Versus Stainless Steel Kirschner Wire for Supracondylar Fractures in Children

Abstract

Background: The supracondylar humeral fracture is one of the common elbow fracture in children. The standard method of managing supracondylar humerus fractures is by Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with kirschner wire (k-wire). A desirable implant must have the following characteristics : durability, strength, stiffness.

Materials and Methods:

30 patients with Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures were identified and included in study who has been managed with  closed reduction and fixation with kirschner wire.Follow up of patients at 3 weeks for k-wire removal and at 6 wks and at 12 wks after surgery. Functional outcome and ROM were recorded as per Flynn’s criteria in each visit.

Results: 15 patients were operated with stainless steel k-wires and 15 patients were operated with titanium k-wires. During follow up on 3 months, reduction was maintained in all patients.

Conclusions: Both materials of k-wires (titanium & stainless steel) provide satisfactory results with stability, when fracture fixation was adequately redused. With proper aseptic precautions none of the materials were seen with any infection or loosening. With the price of titanium k-wire in consideration, stainless steel k-wires seems to be more cost effective.