Paediatric Elbow Trauma
A 6-year-old boy presents after falling from playground equipment onto an outstretched hand. His elbow is swollen with significant ecchymosis. He holds his arm in pronation with the elbow flexed. Radiographs show a completely displaced supracondylar fracture with the distal fragment posteriorly displaced and the fracture ends not in contact. There is a weak radial pulse with good capillary refill and a pink hand. Regarding supracondylar humerus fractures in children:
Mark each as TRUE or FALSE
The Gartland classification describes extension-type supracondylar fractures: Type I (non-displaced,...
Neurovascular assessment is critical; the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) is most commonly injured...
Flexion-type injuries are most common (95%); the ulnar nerve is the most commonly injured; the poste...
Radiographic assessment includes the anterior humeral line (should pass through middle third of capi...
Treatment: Type I managed with above-elbow cast; Type II and III require closed reduction and percut...
Answer the questions to see explanations
Click T (True) or F (False) for each option