Crossed versus lateral K-wire fixation for severe supracondylar elbow fractures in children
Effectiveness of Cross K-wire Vs Lateral Entry K-wire Fixation in Maintaining Reduction of Gartland Type # Supracondylar Fractures of Children : A Comparative Study
This trial will test whether crossed K-wires or lateral-only K-wires better keep severely displaced (Gartland type 3) supracondylar humerus fractures in children from losing their alignment after surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 2 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Health Sciences Lahore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bahawalpur, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07266038 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial enrolls children aged 2–13 years with Gartland type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures treated within 7 days to compare crossed versus lateral K-wire pinning. Participants are assigned to one of the two common pinning techniques and followed for range of motion and loss of reduction, using Skaggs criteria to quantify fixation failure. Key exclusions include open fractures, neurovascular injury, medial column comminution, ipsilateral forearm or humeral shaft fractures, pathological bone disease, and delays over 7 days. The goal is to identify which pin configuration better maintains alignment and preserves postoperative elbow function.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 2–13 years with a Gartland type 3 supracondylar humerus fracture seen within 7 days and without open wounds, neurovascular compromise, medial comminution, ipsilateral fractures, or pathological bone disease are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with open fractures, neurovascular injury, medial column comminution, associated ipsilateral fractures, pathological bone conditions, or fractures older than 7 days are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this comparison.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred pinning method could lower the rate of post-fixation loss of reduction and improve elbow recovery in affected children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous randomized trials and meta-analyses have shown mixed results, with crossed pins often offering greater mechanical stability but a higher risk of ulnar nerve injury, while lateral-only pinning has produced comparable outcomes in many reports.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: All male and female patients of age 02-13 years with Gartland type 3 Supracondylar Fracture of Humerus less than 7 days old Exclusion Criteria: patients with open fractures patients with neurovascular injuries patients with medial column communition Fractures more than 7 Days old Ipsilateral fractures of radius/ulna or shaft of humerus pathological fractures which are associated with bone density changes
Where this trial is running
Bahawalpur, Punjab Province
- Bahawal Victoria Hospital — Bahawalpur, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: M Junaid Khan Dr, MBBS
- Email: junikhan111@yahoo.com
- Phone: +92 307 5681857
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.