THE TREATMENT OF SUPRACONDYLAR FRACTURES OF THE HUMERUS BY KIRSCHNER-WIRE TRANSFIXION

The use of transfixing wires in the treatment of difficult cases of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children is especially useful for patients who have such extensive swelling about the elbow, when first seen, that immobilization in acute flexion, following a closed reduction, cannot be carried out. Olecranon-wire traction is not necessary, since the transfixing wires maintain the original reduction until union occurs. The danger of Volkmann's ischaemia is lessened, since splinting in acute flexion is not necessary. Ten patients, first seen from two to six days following the injury, have been successfully treated by this method of blind pinning.