Late ulnar nerve injury following Kirschner wires fixation of the supracondylar fracture of the humerus.

Abstract

Most supracondylar fractures of the humerus can be treated by closed methods. Open reduction and internal fixation by wires or pins are indicated in a difficult fracture (Kekomaki et al 1984) or in vascular injury following the fracture. This fixation should be temporary and removed immediately upon obtaining the desired purpose. To increase surgeons awareness of inadvertently leaving the implant for too long, we are reporting an unusual complication of migration of the Kirschner wire resulting in late ulnar nerve injury.