Crossed versus lateral K-wire fixation for severe supracondylar elbow fractures in children
Official title: Effectiveness of Cross K-wire Vs Lateral Entry K-wire Fixation in Maintaining Reduction of Gartland Type # Supracondylar Fractures of Children : A Comparative Study
Run by University of Health Sciences Lahore · NCT07266038 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 2 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Health Sciences Lahore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bahawalpur, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | December 5, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07266038 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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 take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.