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]. The incidence of vascular complications associated with supracondylar fractures ranges from 3.2 to 14.3% [5], nerve injuries are reported with a relative incidence of 12–20% [6].
Which structure should you monitor when there is a supracondylar fracture?
It can be examined with decreased sensation in dorsal aspect of the hand and weak wrist extensors. Ulnar nerve is prone to injury following flexion type of supracondylar fractures and loss of sensation in its distribution can be examined following weakness of intrinsic muscles of the hand.
What is the commonest complication of supracondylar fracture of humerus?
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.
Which are the structures may damage in case of supracondylar fracture of humerus?
Important arteries and nerves (median nerve, radial nerve, brachial artery, and ulnar nerve) are located at the supracondylar area and can give rise to complications if these structures are injured.
What does supracondylar mean?
Medical Definition of supracondylar : of, relating to, affecting, or being the part of a bone situated above a condyle supracondylar osteotomy a supracondylar fracture of the humerus.
Does supracondylar fracture need surgery?
Surgery isn’t always required. Sometimes a hard cast may be enough to promote healing. Complications of supracondylar fracture can include injury to nerves and blood vessels, or crooked healing (malunion).
What is a supracondylar fracture of the humerus?
Your child’s humerus is fractured (broken) near the elbow area, just above the joint. This is called a supracondylar (supra CON dy ler) humerus fracture. It is the most common type of elbow fracture and happens most often to children younger than 8 years old.
How do you fix a supracondylar fracture?
Surgery is usually not necessary if the fracture is a type 1 or a milder type 2, and if there are no complications. A cast or a splint can be used to immobilize the joint and allow the natural healing process to begin. Sometimes a splint is used first to allow the swelling to go down, followed by a full cast.
Which nerve is damaged in supracondylar fracture of humerus?
As the Median and Radial Nerves lie anterior to the supracondylar humerus region they are at risk for injury, primarily post-trauma either by stretching, piercing or impinging at the fracture ends or being entrapped between two fracture fragments (traumatic or primary nerve injury), whereas the Ulnar Nerve injury is …
What causes a supracondylar fracture?
Overview. 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.
When does a supracondylar fracture need surgery?
A bone will heal naturally after a few weeks without surgery if your bone fragments are not out of place. You will require surgery if the bone is displaced when fractured. The surgeon will put the bone back into place and may use thin pins placed in the ends of the bone to hold it in place while it heals.
