Objective  To explore the clinical efficacy of elbow joint medial and lateral approach in miniincision to treat irreducible supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children.   Methods  From 2001 to 2007

51 cases of children patients with irreducible supracondylar fracture of the humerus underwent miniincision exposure by elbow joint medial and lateral approach

reduction under C-arm  fluoroscopy  and  cross K wire fixation. The tumidity of injured limb

time for early  functional exercise and bone healing as well as the function recovery of elbow joint were observed postoperatively.    Results  The tumidity of injured limb was slight and resolved 2-4 d after operation. The plaster was removed in 2-3 weeks later and early functional exercises could be carried out. During the follow-ups of 3 months to 5 years

all bone fractures were recovered

including 43 cases having excellent recovery

6 good recovery

and 2 bad recovery based on the evaluation of postoperative elbow joint function according to Flynn standards

but there were 3 cases of cubitus varus.   Conclusion  Minimally invasive elbow joint medial and lateral approach is a good method to treat irreducible supracondylar fracture of the humerus of children with elbow functional recovery and low rate of cubitus varus.