Elbow Trauma
A 6-year-old girl falls from monkey bars and presents with a painful, swollen elbow held in flexion. Radiographs show a displaced extension-type supracondylar fracture with posteromedial displacement of the distal fragment (Gartland Type III). On examination, the radial pulse is absent and the hand is pale with delayed capillary refill. Passive finger extension causes significant pain in the forearm. Regarding supracondylar fracture complications:
Mark each as TRUE or FALSE
Vascular injury occurs in 5-20% of displaced supracondylar fractures; the brachial artery is at risk...
Volkmann's ischaemic contracture results from untreated compartment syndrome of the forearm; the dee...
The radial nerve is most commonly injured; flexion-type fractures have highest vascular risk; a pink...
Nerve injuries occur in 10-15% of displaced fractures; in posteromedial displacement (most common), ...
Cubitus varus (gunstock deformity) is the most common late complication, resulting from malunion wit...
Answer the questions to see explanations
Click T (True) or F (False) for each option