OBJECTIVETo explore therapeutic effects of Modified pinning combined with external tension band for the treatment of Gartland type III humeral supracondylar fractures in children.

METHODSFrom February 2009 to November 2010, 79 children with Gartland type III humeral supracondylar fractures were treated by modified pinning (pinning cross internal and external condyle assisted with lateral condyle) combined with external tension band (crossing needle end and hooking around) through lateral approach of elbow. There were 47 males and 32 females, with an average age of 8.7 years (ranging from 2.5 to 14 years). The time from injury to operation was 2 h to 8 d. The elbow joint function and Carrying angle were observed before and after treatment. The Flynn criteria were used to evaluate therapeutic effects.

RESULTSSixty-one patients were followed up (18 patients' data were lost) for 6-30 months (mean 13.5 months). According to Flynn criteria, 53 patients got excellent result, 7 good and 1 fair.

CONCLUSIONTreatment of child Gartland type III humeral supracondylar fractures with modified pinning combined with external tension band through lateral approach of elbow is believed to be an ideal method, which has advantages of reliable fixation, rapid recovery and less complications.