Evaluation of Percutaneous Pinning of Fractures of the Surgical Neck of the Humerus in Children and Adolescents

Background: Open or closed reduction with Kirschner wires, screws, and flexible nails has been documented for the treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures, however percutaneous K-wire fixation is the most widely utilized procedure.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate short-term clinical and radiographic results of percutaneous pinning of surgical neck-humerus fractures in children and adolescents using k-wire.
Patients and Methods: Our study was done on 18 patients with fractures of the surgical neck of the humerus at Zagazig University Hospital treated by percutaneous pinning using k-wire. The humerus fractures were followed up clinically and radiologically for 6 months. Neer and Horwitz classification was used to classify fractures. Constant-Murley shoulder scoring system were used to evaluate results.
Results: According to Constant-Murley scoring system the result obtained were excellent in 14 patient (77.78%) and good only in 4 cases (22.22%). Concerning the complications of the current study, 11 cases had no complication (61.11%), 3 cases had stiffness (16.67%) and 4 cases had superficial infection (22.22%). 4 cases of superficial infection were treated with antibiotics and daily dressing. K-wires were not required to be removed early. All of them achieved excellent results. 3 cases of stiffness were completed by physiotherapy, 2 of which yielded good results and 1 of which yielded excellent results.
Conclusion: Fractures of the surgical neck in children and adolescents can be successfully treated with percutaneous k-wires technique, which provides stability after reduction of fractures. Early and adequate physiotherapy program gives better results regarding the range of motion.