Supracondylar fractures of the humerus

SummarySupracondylar fractures of the humerus are one of the most common fractures of childhood. With the recognised complications of cubitus varus, injury to any of the three major nerves around the elbow, absent radial pulse after fracture reduction, stiffness and the fortunately rare incidence of Volkmann's ischaemic contracture, an appropriate understanding of the pathology and management of this frequent fracture is required. Both flexion and extension types occur, with the most common of the two being the extension injury. This article presents a review of the incidence, pathology, features and treatment options available, focusing on the extension-type fracture.