Supracondylar Fractures

Supracondylar fractures account for 60% of all paediatric elbow fractures and typically follow a fall onto an outstretched hand. The peak incidence occurs between the ages of five and eight years [4].

Children are more prone to supracondylar fractures than adults due to the relatively thin trabeculae of the coronoid and olecranon fossae in this section of the population. Ninety percent of these fractures are caused by hyperextension injury due to ligament laxity. The force is transmitted up through the ulna and into the distal humerus.

Learning bite

Supracondylar fractures are most commonly due to a hyperextension injury.

Signs to look out for on x-ray include presence of fat pads and loss of normal anterior humeral alignment. Undisplaced fractures may only be identified by subtle disruption in the posterior cortex whereas displaced fractures will normally be obvious.