[Percutaneous medial transcondylar osteosynthesis in supracondylar fractures of the humerus]

The authors describe their own method of fragments using Kirshner Wire in supracondylar extension fractures of the humerus. Of a total of 118 extension fractures 74 were of a III degree dislocation type. In 16 of these, the medial percutaneous fixation method was implemented. Indications for surgical intervention included those cases in which good positioning of the fragments could not be maintained due to edema, in cases in which flexion at the elbow caused a loss of the radial pulse, and in cases of manifested primary injury of the ulnar nerve. Following the repositioning of the fragments, 2--3 Kirshner wires were placed immediately above the olecranon along the medial line and through the lower and upper fragments. These wires were left in place for 14 days during which time the arm was kept immobilized. Rehabilitation was begun immediately following the removal of the wires. The end results were excellent and no early or late complications occurred.