Supracondylar fracture

Case contributed by Desiree Rassa Eshraghi
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Extreme pain, swelling, and tenderness surrounding elbow status post fall.

Patient Data

Age: 7 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Acute complete transverse supracondylar fracture with complete posterior displacement of the distal fracture segment and mild angulation with mild over-riding. 

The radio-capitellar alignment appears normal.

Deformity of the distal arm.

The bone density is normal.

x-ray

Supracondylar fracture treated with closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP).

Non-surgical approach; requires small incision and fluoroscopic methods to pin bone into place and position.

Case Discussion

Supracondylar fractures occur in 6-8 years age group. Displaced fractures require urgent reduction, and some often require surgery within 48 hours of injury. The most common treatment for displaced fractures is CRPP or ORIF

This case was submitted with supervision and input from:
Soni C. Chawla, M.D.
Health Sciences Clinical Professor,
Department of Radiological Sciences,
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Attending Paediatric Radiologist,
Olive View - UCLA Medical Centre.

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