A simple tip to improve the accuracy of crossed K-wire placement in the management of displaced paediatric supracondylar fractures of the humerus

BACKGROUND In 1991 Lindaman et al described a fluoroscopic technique to determine the incision site for percutaneous fixation of a slipped capital femoral epiphysis.1 Using similar principles, we describe a simple technique to improve the accuracy of crossed K-wire placement in displaced paediatric supracondylar fractures of the humerus. Although not original, our technique is very useful and we believe it should be used more widely when dealing with paediatric elbow fractures as accurate wire placement can be difficult in the presence of swelling and the relative small size of the fracture components in children.