Median nerve palsy after operative treatment of intraarticular distal humerus fracture with intact supracondylar process.

A case is presented in which acute median nerve palsy developed within 24 h after surgical treatment of an intraarticular distal humerus fracture in a patient with an intact supracondylar process. This nerve compression responded favorably to anterior decompression. If this combination (intraarticular distal humerus fracture and supracondylar process) is encountered, prophylactic resection of the process and ligament seems indicated, if possible through the fracture fixation exposure. If not, close postoperative neurologic monitoring is essential.