Early versus Late Removal of Internally Fixed Kirschner’s Wires for Displaced Lateral Condyle Fracture of Humerus in Children

Lateral condyle fracture of the distal humerus is the second most common paediatric elbow fracture. Unstable, rotated and displaced (>2mm) fractures are managed with open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner’s wires or screws. Debate persists as for how long the Kirschner’s wires should be placed in situ after internal fixation. We aimed to compare the functional and radiological outcome after early versus late removal of internally fixed Kirschner’s wires for displaced lateral condyle fracture of distal humerus.