"type I: undisplaced or minimal displacement("
"Ia: undisplaced in both lateral and AP projections"
"Ib: minimal displacement, medial cortical buckle, capitellum remains intersected by the anterior humeral line"
"type II: displaced (>2 mm) with an intact, hinged posterior humeral cortex"
"IIa: no rotational deformity, with posterior angulation only. Anterior humeral line does not intersect capitellum"
"IIb: rotational or straight displacement but posterior humeral cortex remains in contact"
"type III: complete displacement"
"IIIa: complete posterior displacement with no cortical contact"
"IIIb: complete displacement with soft tissue gap (i.e. bone ends held apart by interposed soft tissues)"
"most commonly injured at the time of injury is the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN; a branch of the median nerve), followed by the radial nerve and then the ulnar nerve. Ulnar nerve injury is more common in flexion type fractures."
"Extension type supracondylar fractures typically occur as a result of a fall on a hyper-extended elbow. When this occurs, the olecranon acts as a fulcrum after engaging in the olecranon fossa. The humerus fractures anteriorly initially and then posteriorly. They result in an extra-articular fracture line, and (when displaced) posterior displacement of the distal component."
"Ia: undisplaced in both lateral and AP projections"
"Lateral and AP radiographs are usually sufficient, and in many instances demonstrate an obvious fracture. Often, however, no fracture line can be identified. In such cases assessing for indirect signs is essential:"
"most commonly injured at the time of injury is the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN; a branch of the median nerve), followed by the radial nerve and then the ulnar nerve. Ulnar nerve injury is more common in flexion type fractures."
"Most AIN, radial and ulnar nerve injuries resolve spontaneously without any intervention 8."
"Since it was first described, a fourth Gartland type has been added that is diagnosed only intraoperatively. A supracondylar fracture is defined as Gartland type IV when it is displaced, with an incompetent periosteal hinge mechanism that leads to multidirectional instability in both flexion and extension 10."
"Type I"
"Type II"
Expected headings
"Mechanism"
"Type I"
"Type II"
"Type III"
"Complications"
"Video"
"Simple supracondylar fractures are typically seen in younger children, and are uncommon in adults; 90% are seen in children younger than 10 years of age, with a peak age of 5-7 years 4,6. These fractures are more commonly seen in boys 4 and are the most common elbow fractures in children (55-80%) 8."
"Although in many cases the fracture is easily seen, in some instances all that may be seen is soft tissue swelling or an anterior fat pad sign. Even in the absence of an obvious fracture, the patient needs to be treated with a cast. Repeating radiographs after inflammation has subsided may be helpful in demonstrating the fracture; this is typically done 7-10 days later."
"most commonly injured at the time of injury is the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN; a branch of the median nerve), followed by the radial nerve and then the ulnar nerve. Ulnar nerve injury is more common in flexion type fractures."
"There are two types of supracondylar fractures: extension (95-98%) and flexion ("
"There are three main complications 2,3:"
"Most AIN, radial and ulnar nerve injuries resolve spontaneously without any intervention 8."