What is the most common treatment for supracondylar fractures?

Treatment. A supracondylar fracture is typically treated by putting a splint or cast around your elbow and then using a sling to keep it in position. Other treatments include ice and medications to relieve pain and swelling. Surgical or nonsurgical.

Which type of supracondylar fracture of humerus is common?

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.

How do you treat a supracondylar fracture?

Gartland type III, and flexion supracondylar fractures are treated with reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation. Patients should be kept nil orally until a decision about the timing of surgery is made. For open fractures, tetanus immunisation status should be assessed.

What needs immediate attention in supracondylar fracture of the humerus?

Patients with supracondylar fractures with associated neurovascular compromise on presentation need immediate closed reduction.

Does supracondylar fracture need surgery?

The fracture may be displaced (where the bones are out of alignment) or undisplaced. Displaced fractures may require surgery to put pins in the bones to hold them in place. A supracondylar elbow fracture will require cast and sling while the fracture heals. If surgery was required, the cast will be a full cast.

Is supracondylar fracture an emergency?

Displaced supracondylar fractures have been traditionally treated as surgical emergencies due to the risk of neurovascular complications or the belief that open reduction instead of closed reduction will be needed if surgery is delayed.

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.

How long does a distal humerus fracture take to heal?

Most patients can return to their normal activities within about 6 months, although full healing can take up to 2 years. Recovering strength in your arm often takes longer than might be expected—sometimes up to 6 months or more.

Do you need a cast for a fractured elbow?

Your treatment depends on how bad the break is. Your doctor may have put your arm in a cast or splint to allow your elbow to heal or to keep it stable until you see another doctor. You also may wear a sling to help support your arm. It may take weeks or months for your elbow to heal.

Do kids need physio after broken arm?

Physiotherapy is not recommended. Your child should avoid sports and heavy arm use (such as climbing) for one month after removal of the cast.

Can adults have supracondylar fracture?

Supracondylar fractures of the adult humerus are uncommon and present a difficult management problem. In this series of 50 patients better results were obtained by conservative rather than surgical management.