Both cross and lateral pinning are common techniques used for displaced supracondylar elbow fractures in children. Our study aims to determine whether there are any radiological differences in outcome between the two techniques. Most recent studies involving radiological evaluation of supracondylar fractures had concentrated on use of Bauman's angle or humerocapitellar angles. Rotational displacement, which has been shown to be critical for stability, is often not adequately addressed. Our evaluation measures both linear displacement using Bauman's angle and rotational displacement through the measurement of the lateral rotational percentage (LRP). We retrospectively reviewed the radiographs of all type III supracondylar fractures reduced with either crossed pins (one medial and one lateral, one medial and two lateral) or lateral pins (two or three lateral) between 2002 and 2006 at the Royal Children's Hospital. A good quality AP and lateral radiograph taken preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at the first follow up session was required for patients to be included in the study. Those that had LRP change of greater than 10% were further investigated.Introduction
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