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Are Radiographs Necessary Before Kirschner Wire Removal in Supracondylar Fracture of Humerus in Children Who Have Undergone Operative Procedure?
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Junaid Khan, Riaz Ahmed, KanzaBatool, Mariam Niaz, KiranSiddiqui, HashimRiaz. Are Radiographs Necessary Before Kirschner Wire Removal in Supracondylar Fracture of Humerus in Children Who Have Undergone Operative Procedure?. JRMC [Internet]. 2016 Sep. 30 [cited 2024 Dec. 10];20(3). Available from: https://www.journalrmc.com/index.php/JRMC/article/view/172

Abstract

Background: To assess the need for radiograph
one day prior to Kirschner wires removal in
supracondylar humerus fracture patients, who had
undergone percutaneous wire fixation.
Methods: In this prospective cohort study 100
patients with supracondylar humerus fracture were
included. Patients were divided into two groups.
Group A was the one in which the radiographs (AP
and lateral view) were obtained one day prior to kwire
removal, whereas no prior x-rays were obtained
before k-wire removal in group B. All patients were
operated by percutaneous k-wiring, position and
angles of k-wires confirmed under fluoroscope. The
operated limb was immobilized in a back slab after
k-wire fixation. Postoperative radiographs (AP and
lateral view) obtained for all patients before being
discharged. First follow-up was after 2 weeks of
surgery for Stitch removal. Second follow-up,3
weeks after surgery to remove the back slab. Third
follow up at almost 4 weeks of surgery for k-wire
removal. Baumann's angle was calculated and
compared from radiographic evaluation that was
done during surgery and the final follow up X-ray.
Results. Out of the 100 patients, 57 were male while
33 were females. Supracondylar humerus fractures
were classified into flexion and extension type.
Patients in group A (n=50) had a mean age 5.381.308
whereas in group B (n=50) it was 5.241.271. In group
A, the mean number of post-operative days prior to
k-wire removal was 27.162.881 while for group B it
was 27.303.046 (p-value 0.814). Patients in group A
had a mean difference in Baumann’s angle of
2.3240.041 while in group B 2.3290.023 (p-value
0.452). K-wires were not retained in any of the
patients who underwent radiography one day before
the expected day of their removal
Conclusion: X-rays are not a requisite before
Kirschner wire removal in supracondylar fracture of
humerus in children. This not only saves the child
and the family from anxiety but also prevents
unnecessary radiation exposure, which may harm the
child in long run.

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