Curriculum · Musculoskeletal / Orthopedic / Rheumatology
Supracondylar humerus fracture
What it is
A supracondylar fracture sits at the distal humerus, above the condyles at the elbow. In a child it follows a fall on outstretched hands.
How it presents
The arm is held in an adducted position and there is obvious swelling around the elbow joint. On the x-ray there is posterior displacement of the distal capitulum and a posterior fat padding sign, and the fracture may be transverse and displaced with elbow dislocation alongside it.