Extra Lateral Pin or Less Radiation? A Comparison of Two Different Pin Configurations in the Treatment of Supracondylar Humerus Fracture

Background: Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation are the most commonly used methods in the surgical treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures. The pin configuration changes stability and is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between surgical duration and radiation dose/duration for different pinning fixations. Methods: A total of 48 patients with Gartland type 2, 3, and 4 supracondylar fractures of the humerus were randomized into two groups—2 lateral and 1 medial (2L1M) pin fixation (n = 26) and 1 lateral 1 medial (1L1M) pin fixation (n = 22). A primary assessment was performed regarding surgical duration, radiation duration, and radiation dose. A secondary assessment included clinical outcome, passive range of motion, radiographic measurements, Flynn’s criteria, and complications. Results: There were 26 patients in the first group (2L1M) and 22 patients in the second group (1L1M). There was no statistical difference between the groups regarding age, sex, type of fracture, or Flynn’s criteria. The overall mean surgical duration with 1L1M fixation (30.59 ± 8.72) was statistically lower (p = 0.001) when compared to the 2L1M Kirschner wire K-wire fixation (40.61 ± 8.25). The mean radiation duration was 0.76 ± 0.33 s in the 1L1M K-wire fixation and 1.68 ± 0.55 s in the 2L1M K-wire fixation. The mean radiation dose of the 2L1M K-wire fixation (2.45 ± 1.15 mGy) was higher than that of the 1L1M K-wire fixation (0.55 ± 0.43 mGy) (p = 0.000). Conclusions: The current study shows that although there is no difference between the clinical and radiological outcomes, radiation dose exposure is significantly lower for the 1L1M fixation method.