Der Unfallchirurg
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Fractures of the distal humeral diaphysis are rare and have not been reported very often in the literature, although therapeutic management is more difficult than that of midshaft humeral fractures. As they are so near to the elbow, these fractures are not suitable for bracing, because pro/supination movements cannot be eliminated. Muscular forces, especially of the pronator teres muscle, force the fracture into a varus position with every supination movement. ⋯ The advantage of the method is that the nails are inserted far distant from the fracture site. Anatomical reduction is not necessary, which means there is no danger of devitalizing fragments; the technique is also quick. In the "fixator" group, we saw 1 case of non-union and 1 of refracture, both following compound fractures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)