Supracondylar humerus fracture: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Supracondylar humerus fracture | |||
| image = [[File:Supracondylar09.jpg|left|thumb|alt=Supracondylar humerus fracture|upright=1.2]] | |||
| caption = X-ray of a supracondylar humerus fracture | |||
| field = [[Orthopedic surgery]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = [[Elbow pain]], [[swelling]], [[bruising]], [[deformity]] | |||
| complications = [[Compartment syndrome]], [[Volkmann's contracture]], [[nerve injury]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = Extension type, flexion type | |||
| causes = [[Fall on an outstretched hand]] | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = [[X-ray]] | |||
| differential = [[Elbow dislocation]], [[lateral condyle fracture]] | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = [[Casting]], [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = [[Pain management]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in children | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Baumann's_Angle.jpg|thumb|Baumann's Angle]] | |||
[[File:AnteriorandPSailSign.png|left|thumb|Anterior and Posterior Sail Sign]] | |||
[[File:Anterior_humeral_line.jpg|left|thumb|Anterior humeral line]] | |||
[[File:Anterior_humeral_line_in_a_6_month_old_child.jpg|thumb|Anterior humeral line in a 6-month-old child]] | |||
[[File:Gartland_Classification.jpg|left|thumb|Gartland Classification]] | |||
A '''supracondylar humerus fracture''' is a type of injury that occurs just above the elbow, affecting the distal (lower) part of the humerus bone. This condition is most commonly seen in children, particularly those between the ages of 5 and 7 years old, and is one of the most frequent injuries involving the elbow joint. The mechanism of injury often involves a fall on an outstretched hand, leading to a backward (extension-type) or less commonly, a forward (flexion-type) displacement of the distal fragment. | A '''supracondylar humerus fracture''' is a type of injury that occurs just above the elbow, affecting the distal (lower) part of the humerus bone. This condition is most commonly seen in children, particularly those between the ages of 5 and 7 years old, and is one of the most frequent injuries involving the elbow joint. The mechanism of injury often involves a fall on an outstretched hand, leading to a backward (extension-type) or less commonly, a forward (flexion-type) displacement of the distal fragment. | ||
==Classification== | ==Classification== | ||
Supracondylar fractures are classified according to the Gartland system, which is based on the degree of displacement: | Supracondylar fractures are classified according to the Gartland system, which is based on the degree of displacement: | ||
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* '''Type II''': The bone is cracked and partially displaced but still maintains some contact between the broken ends. | * '''Type II''': The bone is cracked and partially displaced but still maintains some contact between the broken ends. | ||
* '''Type III''': The bone is completely displaced, with no contact between the fractured ends. This type is the most severe and often requires surgical intervention. | * '''Type III''': The bone is completely displaced, with no contact between the fractured ends. This type is the most severe and often requires surgical intervention. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Common symptoms of a supracondylar humerus fracture include: | Common symptoms of a supracondylar humerus fracture include: | ||
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* Limited range of motion in the elbow | * Limited range of motion in the elbow | ||
* In some cases, numbness or weakness in the hand or wrist due to nerve injury | * In some cases, numbness or weakness in the hand or wrist due to nerve injury | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of a supracondylar humerus fracture typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests. An [[X-ray]] is the primary tool used to confirm the presence and classify the severity of the fracture. In some cases, additional imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan may be required to assess the extent of the injury and any potential damage to surrounding tissues. | Diagnosis of a supracondylar humerus fracture typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests. An [[X-ray]] is the primary tool used to confirm the presence and classify the severity of the fracture. In some cases, additional imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan may be required to assess the extent of the injury and any potential damage to surrounding tissues. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The treatment for a supracondylar humerus fracture depends on the type of fracture and the degree of displacement: | The treatment for a supracondylar humerus fracture depends on the type of fracture and the degree of displacement: | ||
* '''Type I''': Non-displaced fractures can usually be treated with immobilization. The arm may be placed in a cast or splint for about 3 to 4 weeks to allow the bone to heal properly. | * '''Type I''': Non-displaced fractures can usually be treated with immobilization. The arm may be placed in a cast or splint for about 3 to 4 weeks to allow the bone to heal properly. | ||
* '''Type II and III''': Displaced fractures often require surgical intervention to realign the bones. This may involve the use of pins, screws, or wires to hold the bone in place during healing. Following surgery, the arm is typically immobilized for a period of time. | * '''Type II and III''': Displaced fractures often require surgical intervention to realign the bones. This may involve the use of pins, screws, or wires to hold the bone in place during healing. Following surgery, the arm is typically immobilized for a period of time. | ||
==Complications== | ==Complications== | ||
Complications from supracondylar humerus fractures can include: | Complications from supracondylar humerus fractures can include: | ||
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* Malunion or nonunion of the fracture | * Malunion or nonunion of the fracture | ||
* Elbow stiffness and reduced range of motion | * Elbow stiffness and reduced range of motion | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventing supracondylar humerus fractures involves taking general safety measures to avoid falls and injuries, such as using protective gear when engaging in sports and ensuring safe play environments for children. | Preventing supracondylar humerus fractures involves taking general safety measures to avoid falls and injuries, such as using protective gear when engaging in sports and ensuring safe play environments for children. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Elbow dislocation]] | * [[Elbow dislocation]] | ||
* [[Fracture]] | * [[Fracture]] | ||
* [[Pediatric orthopedics]] | * [[Pediatric orthopedics]] | ||
[[Category:Orthopedic surgical procedures]] | [[Category:Orthopedic surgical procedures]] | ||
[[Category:Injuries]] | [[Category:Injuries]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Revision as of 00:55, 14 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Supracondylar humerus fracture | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Elbow pain, swelling, bruising, deformity |
| Complications | Compartment syndrome, Volkmann's contracture, nerve injury |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | |
| Types | Extension type, flexion type |
| Causes | Fall on an outstretched hand |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | X-ray |
| Differential diagnosis | Elbow dislocation, lateral condyle fracture |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Casting, surgery |
| Medication | Pain management |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common in children |
| Deaths | N/A |
A supracondylar humerus fracture is a type of injury that occurs just above the elbow, affecting the distal (lower) part of the humerus bone. This condition is most commonly seen in children, particularly those between the ages of 5 and 7 years old, and is one of the most frequent injuries involving the elbow joint. The mechanism of injury often involves a fall on an outstretched hand, leading to a backward (extension-type) or less commonly, a forward (flexion-type) displacement of the distal fragment.
Classification
Supracondylar fractures are classified according to the Gartland system, which is based on the degree of displacement:
- Type I: The bone is slightly cracked but remains aligned. These fractures are considered non-displaced.
- Type II: The bone is cracked and partially displaced but still maintains some contact between the broken ends.
- Type III: The bone is completely displaced, with no contact between the fractured ends. This type is the most severe and often requires surgical intervention.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a supracondylar humerus fracture include:
- Severe pain and tenderness above the elbow
- Swelling and bruising around the elbow
- Visible deformity in severe cases
- Limited range of motion in the elbow
- In some cases, numbness or weakness in the hand or wrist due to nerve injury
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a supracondylar humerus fracture typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests. An X-ray is the primary tool used to confirm the presence and classify the severity of the fracture. In some cases, additional imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan may be required to assess the extent of the injury and any potential damage to surrounding tissues.
Treatment
The treatment for a supracondylar humerus fracture depends on the type of fracture and the degree of displacement:
- Type I: Non-displaced fractures can usually be treated with immobilization. The arm may be placed in a cast or splint for about 3 to 4 weeks to allow the bone to heal properly.
- Type II and III: Displaced fractures often require surgical intervention to realign the bones. This may involve the use of pins, screws, or wires to hold the bone in place during healing. Following surgery, the arm is typically immobilized for a period of time.
Complications
Complications from supracondylar humerus fractures can include:
- Nerve injury, particularly to the median, radial, or ulnar nerves
- Vascular injury, leading to compromised blood flow to the forearm and hand
- Malunion or nonunion of the fracture
- Elbow stiffness and reduced range of motion
Prevention
Preventing supracondylar humerus fractures involves taking general safety measures to avoid falls and injuries, such as using protective gear when engaging in sports and ensuring safe play environments for children.
See Also
