Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus in Children
by
J. Andy Sullivan, MD
Fractures of the distal end of the humerus above the growth plate are the most common elbow fractures in children. This fracture typically occurs in children between the ages of 2 and 12 years and account for two thirds of all hospitalizations for elbow injuries in children. The history usually involves the child falling on an outstretched hand, hyperextending the elbow and forcing the olecranon into its posterior humeral fossa.
The pathophysiology and clinical presentation of supracondylar fractures in children is reviewed extensively and nonsurgical and surgical management options are presented in detail. In addition to a review of nonoperative reduction and casting, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning and open reduction and internal fixation are explored in detail. Video is available.
Keywords: elbow fracture, elbow joint fracture, broken elbow, distal humerus fracture, incidence, mechanism of injury, classification, extension-type injury, flexion-type injury, diagnosis, patient history, physical examination, imaging, radiography, differential diagnosis, management, nonsurgical treatment, closed reduction, casting, cast immobilization, surgical treatment, surgical techniques, traction, percutaneous pin fixation, open reduction, internal fixation, indications, contraindications, complications, outcomes, rehabilitation
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