OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of treatment of humeral supracondylar fracture with Kirschner and tension band wire fixation through small lateral incision.

METHODSFifty-eight patients of humeral supracondylar fractures included 42 males and 16 females with the average age of 9.4 years ranging from 3 to 65 years old. All patients were treated with Kirschner and tension band fixation through small lateral incision of 4 to 5 cm after reduction through lateral approach from the inter muscular space between the lateral of triceps brachii and the brachioradial muscle. Two Kirschner were insterted from the lateral condylars to humeral medial. Drill plumb on the humeral above fracture line distance 2 to 3 cm. A wire through bended on the lateral two Kirschners nails crossed in the shape of "8" figure.

RESULTSThe fracture obtained accurately reduction and rigidly fixation. All patients were followed up for 1 to 5 years (mean 2.4 years). According to Flynn clinical evaluation, the results were excellent in 48 cases, good in 6,fair in 3 and poor in 1.

CONCLUSIONThis method has advantages of minimal trauma, easy manipulation, less operative time, early exercises and rapid recovery for the treatment of humeral supracondylar fracture.