What is a nondisplaced supracondylar fracture?
A supracondylar fracture is an injury to the humerus, or upper arm bone, at its narrowest point, just above the elbow. Supracondylar fractures are the most common type of upper arm injury in children. They are frequently caused by a fall on an outstretched elbow or a direct blow to the elbow.
What is the most serious complication of supracondylar fracture?
The difficulty in maintaining the reduction and ultimately the cubitus varus is the most frequent long-term complication with an incidence ranging from 3 to 57%. Adequate reduction and pinning has dramatically decreased this incidence.
What type of splint is used for supracondylar fracture?
Type I supracondylar fractures are stable fractures to the elbow that are treated conservatively across the world and typically heal very well without complications. There are several treatment options, including an above elbow cast or long arm splint.
How long does supracondylar fracture take to heal?
Supracondylar humerus fractures often heal within 4 weeks from start of treatment (either surgery or casting). After your child has his or her cast removed, it may take 4 weeks for the child to be able to move the elbow normally. In rare cases, your child may require physical therapy to help regain strength and motion.
What is the commonest complication of Supracondylar?
Pin-site irritation and superficial infections are the most common complications seen. Cubitus varus remains another common complication, even with the use of closed reduction and pinning for management of most displaced fractures. Neurapraxias are seen in almost 10% of patients, with most resolving spontaneously.
Is supracondylar fracture an emergency?
Delayed treatment Displaced supracondylar fractures have been traditionally treated as surgical emergencies due to the risk of neurovascular complications or the belief that open reduction instead of closed reduction will be needed if surgery is delayed.
Which complication may arise after supracondylar fracture of humerus?
Complications following these fractures are infection, loss of reduction, non-union, cubitus varus or valgus and neurovascular lesions [4].
What are the complications of supracondylar fracture?
Complications
- malunion: resulting in cubitus varus (varus deformity of the elbow, also known as gunstock deformity)
- ischemic contracture (Volkmann contracture) due to damage/occlusion to the brachial artery and resulting in volar compartment syndrome.
- damage to the ulnar nerve, median nerve, or radial nerve.
What are the treatment options for supracondylar fractures of the humerus?
Rodriguez Merchan EC. Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children: treatment by overhead skeletal traction. Orthop Rev1992;21(4):475-482.
How is a supracondylar femur fracture (SF) fixed?
During fixation of supracondylar femur fractures, the surgeon must assess the stability of fixation and the quality of the bone. If the fixation is solid and the bone quality is good, some patients can be allowed early weightbearing and motion, especially when intramedullary fixation is used.
Should I go to the ER for a supracondylar fracture?
If you suspect you or your child has a supracondylar or other type of fracture, see your doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Surgery is usually not necessary if the fracture is a type 1 or a milder type 2, and if there are no complications.
What is a non-displaced fracture?
A non-displaced fracture is the one in which your bone brakes in one spot only and stays aligned. Your doctor will ask for an x-ray to confirm what type of break you have. Keep reading to learn more about it with some treatment options.