Efficacies and complications of supracondylar humeral fractures in children with closed reduction and percutaneous lateral or crossed pin fixation: a meta-analysis

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacies and complications of supracondylar humeral fractures in children with closed reduction and percutaneous lateral or crossed pins fixation. Methods The databases of Cochrane Library, PubMed and Embase were searched for retrieving randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of lateral or crossed pin fixation for treating supracondylar humeral fractures in children. Data analyses were performed with RevMan 5.1 software. Results Seven RCTs including a total of 521 patients were selected. Iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury was higher with crossed pin technique than with lateral entry technique(RR=0.30, 95%CI 0.10-0.89, P=0.03). And no statistical differences existed in radiographic outcomes, functions or surgical complications. Conclusions Lateral and crossed pin fixations are equally efficacious for supracondylar humeral fractures in children. However, lateral pin fixation may reduce the incidence of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. Key words: Humeral fractures; Fracture fixation, interal; Meta-analysis; Comparative study