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Supracondylar Fracture

Fracture across the thin part of the distal humerus above the growth plate.

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In children less than 3

  • Capitellum is not yet ossified

  • Supracondylar fracture can appear to look like an elbow dislocation, but is usually a physeal separation (Salter-harris I)

  • ​Most common elbow fracture in children.

  • Peak age 5-8 years

  • Mechanism: FOOSH and hypertension of the elbow.

CLASSIFICATION

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MANAGEMENT

  • Analgesia

  • Be suspicious of associated forearm fractures- X-ray this too if indicated.

  • Gartland I : Above elbow backslab at 90 degrees with Sling

  • Gartland 2 & 3: refer ORTHO

REFER ORTHO IF:​

  • Gartland 2 and 3

  • Neurovascular injury

  • Open injury

  • Skin puckering or anterior bruising

  • Severe swelling

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