Purpose: To evaluate a new treatment method by pin leverage technique in Gartland type III fractures to avoid forceful manipulation or open reduction.
Materials and Methods: 99 cases were included in this study and divided into 3 groups (I;open reduction, II; closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation, III; pin leverage technique), and we analyzed timing to operation, length of operation, associated neurovascular injuries, complications, and clinical and radiological outcomes at final follow-up.
Results: The average length of operation 119, 57, and 68 minutes respectively. The associated nerve injuries were 8, 2, and 2 cases respectively. There were a case of superficial pin tract infection in group I, three cases of superficial pin tract infection and a case of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in group II. At final follow-up, clinical results were excellent or good in all cases and there were 5 cases (8.3%) of fair results in group II radiologically. Closed reduction with pin leverage technique were failed in 5 cases.
Conclusion: In treatment of Gartland type III fractures, pin leverage reduction technique is considered to be a good alternative prior to open reduction, because it provides shortened length of operation, avoidance of forceful manipulation and open reduction.
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