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What is a Type 3 supracondylar humerus fracture?

What is a Type 3 supracondylar humerus fracture?

Gartland originally described a classification for extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures, dividing them into three types: type I is non-displaced, type II is displaced with an intact posterior cortex, and type III is displaced without cortical contact [2, 5].

What is Gartland fracture?

In Gartland type I fractures, the anterior humeral line (yellow line) passes through the middle of the capitellum. These fractures may be difficult to see on plain x-ray. Suspect a fracture if anterior and/or posterior fat pad signs (arrows) are present (seen on lateral x-ray).

What is a supracondylar fracture?

Your child’s humerus is fractured (broken) near the elbow area, just above the joint. This is called a supracondylar (supra CON dy ler) humerus fracture. It is the most common type of elbow fracture and happens most often to children younger than 8 years old.

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 treatment for a humerus fracture?

A humerus shaft fracture may be treated with or without surgery, depending on the fracture pattern and associated injuries (i.e., nerve injury or open fracture). A temporary splint extending from the shoulder to the forearm and holding the elbow bent at 90 degrees can be used for initial management of the fracture.

How do you treat a supracondylar fracture?

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.

What is a closed fracture?

When a fracture happens, it’s classified as either open or closed: Open fracture (also called compound fracture): The bone pokes through the skin and can be seen, or a deep wound exposes the bone through the skin. Closed fracture (also called simple fracture). The bone is broken, but the skin is intact.

How long does a supracondylar fracture take to heal?

On average, fractures heal in six to eight weeks. Children usually heal faster than adults.

When does a supracondylar fracture need surgery?

Surgery is usually not necessary if the fracture is a type 1 or a milder type 2, and if there are no complications. A cast or a splint can be used to immobilize the joint and allow the natural healing process to begin. Sometimes a splint is used first to allow the swelling to go down, followed by a full cast.

How do you fix a supracondylar fracture?

Does a 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.

How do you sleep with a broken humerus?

Lay flat. Though it may be uncomfortable, try sleeping, as much as possible, in a seated/upright position. Lying flat may allow the bone to move and bend, even in a cast.

What is the Gartland classification for humerus fractures?

The Gartland classification is a commonly used system for evaluation and treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in children. It has good interobserver and intraobserver reliability and Type III injuries are commonly associated with neurovascular injuries, where there should be heightened awareness.

Does Blount’s method work for Gartland Type III supracondylar fractures?

Hypothesis: Blount’s method produces good outcomes after more than 3 years when used to treat Gartland type III supracondylar fractures of the humerus.

What is the Gartland classification of supracondylar fractures?

The Gartland classification of supracondylar fractures of the humerus is based on the degree and direction of displacement, and the presence of intact cortex. It applies to extension supracondylar fractures rather than the rare flexion supracondylar fracture.

How is the fracture type described in a radiological report?

While the fracture type is not usually explicitly detailed in radiological reports, description of the fracture should include the degree and direction of displacement as well as whether the cortex is involved, e.g. none, buckle or break. Ultimately, the injury type determines treatment.