Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common elbow fracture in children, with displaced fractures generally requiring surgical management with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning as the first line treatment option. Whether you are a budding orthopod or otherwise you will without doubt encounter the child with a painful elbow following FOOSH, make sure you always consider a supracondylar fracture and are familiar with assessing X-rays of the elbow joint – look for a posterior fat pad sign and/or displacement of the anterior humeral line which is often the giveaway!
Anyone know the most common neuropraxia associated with this injury?
Great review article on the management of supracondylar fractures in children by Prof Martin Herman, published in the journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Abzug JM, Herman MJ. Management of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children: Current Concepts. JAAOS. 2012; 20(2):69-77. Doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-20-02-069