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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)

Supracondylar fracture <3 years

Most common elbow fracture in children.
Peak age 5-8 years
Mechanism: FOOSH and hypertension of the elbow.

CLASSIFICATION

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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