Comparison of Conventional Cross-K Wires Versus Dorgan's Technique for Supracondylar Fractures in Children

Background & Objectives: Supracondylar humerus fractures are one of the most common fractures inchildhood. The traditional treatment utilizing cross-K-wire fixation is biomechanically stable, it poses aconsiderable risk of ulnar nerve injury. Dorgan's technique, employing lateral cross K-wires, presents aviable alternative by reducing the complication rate. This study assessed the outcomes of standard cross-Kwire fixation compared to Dorgan's technique in paediatric patients for treatment of type III supracondylarfractures.Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedics, MayoHospital, Lahore. A total of 72 paediatric patients with Gartland type III supracondylar fractures wererandomly distributed to two groups: Group A(n=36) received traditional cross K-wire fixation, while GroupB (n=36) received Dorgan's technique. Patients were monitored for six weeks, and outcomes were evaluatedbased on operative time, ulnar nerve injury, union rate, pin track infection, as well as cosmetic and functionaloutcomes as per Flynn's criteria.Results: The incidence of ulnar nerve palsy was less in Group B (p = 0.013). Fracture healing rate was higherin Group B (88.9% vs 77.8%) (p = 0.206). Based on Flynn's criteria, Group B demonstrated significantlysuperior cosmetic (58.3% vs 47.2% excellent, p < 0.001) and functional results (52.8% vs 44.4% excellent, p< 0.001) than Group A.Conclusion: Dorgan's technique had less incidence of ulnar nerve injury and better cosmetic and functionalresults than traditional cross K-wire fixation. Furthermore, it provides a safer and similarly effective optionfor addressing type III supracondylar humeral fractures in children.