What is the classification of this distal humerus fracture?
Distal Humerus Fractures
| AO/OTA Classification of Distal Humerus Fractures | |
|---|---|
| Type A | Extra-articular (supracondylar fracture), 80% are extension type; epicondyle |
| Type B | Intraarticular- Single column (partial articular-isolated condylar, coronal shear, epicondyle with articular extension) |
What is Gartland fracture?
The Gartland classification is a system of categorizing supracondylar humerus fractures, clinically useful as it predicts the likelihood of associated neurovascular injury, such as anterior interosseous nerve neurapraxia or brachial artery disruption.
What type of fracture is a supracondylar humerus fracture?
A supracondylar humerus fracture is a fracture of the distal humerus just above the elbow joint. The fracture is usually transverse or oblique and above the medial and lateral condyles and epicondyles. This fracture pattern is relatively rare in adults, but is the most common type of elbow fracture in children.
What is the most common type of distal humeral fracture?
Distal humerus fractures most commonly involve both medial and lateral columns. Single condylar fractures make up approximately 5% of distal humerus fractures. Epicondylar and coronal shear fractures of the articular surface are less commonly observed.
What is the distal humerus bone?
The “distal humerus” is the lower end of the humerus (upper arm bone). (Right) The major nerves and ligaments of the elbow are highlighted. The elbow consists of portions of all three bones: The distal humerus is the lower end of the humerus.
How do you identify a supracondylar fracture?
Symptoms of a supracondylar fracture
- sudden intense pain in the elbow and forearm.
- a snap or pop at time of injury.
- swelling around the elbow.
- numbness in the hand.
- inability to move or straighten the arm.
What is distal to the humerus bone?
The lower end of the humerus bone is called the distal part, or “distal humerus.” The distal humerus has cartilage at the end of it, which is part of the upper part of the elbow joint. The other bones that make up the lower part of the elbow joint are the ulna and the radius.
What is the distal region of the humerus called?
trochlea
The distal end of the humerus has two articulation areas, which join the ulna and radius bones of the forearm to form the elbow joint. The more medial of these areas is the trochlea, a spindle- or pulley-shaped region (trochlea = “pulley”), which articulates with the ulna bone.
What causes distal humerus fracture?
Distal humerus fractures are most often caused by: Falling directly on the elbow. Receiving a direct blow to the elbow from something hard, like a baseball bat or a dashboard or car door during a vehicle collision. Falling on an outstretched arm with the elbow held tightly to brace against the fall.
What is Gartland classification of supracondylar humerus fracture?
The Gartland classification of the supracondylar humerus fracture is based on the direction and degree of displacement, and also the existence of the intact cortex. It generally applies to extension type supracondylar fractures rather than (given more importance to one thing when two things are compared) rare flexion supracondylar fractures.
What are the clinical guidelines for supracondylar fractures?
For extension-type supracondylar fractures, management is guided by the Gartland classification system and clinical examination (e.g. presence of neurovascular compromise). Table 1: ED management of supracondylar fractures of the distal humerus.
How is a Gartland fracture of the elbow classified?
The Gartland type classification is based on the lateral x-ray, identifying where the capitellum sits in relation to a line drawn down the anterior aspect of the humerus – the anterior humeral line. In a normal elbow, a line drawn on a lateral view along the anterior surface of the humerus should pass through…
Why is there no pulse in a supracondylar fracture?
It is generally seen that 6 to 20 percent of the supracondylar fractures reported the absence of a radial pulse. This is because the brachial artery is frequently injured in Type II and Type III Gartland fractures especially when the distal fragment is displaced postero-laterally (proximal fragment displaced antero-medially).