Picture Quiz: Falling on an outstretched arm

Abstract

A 6 year old boy attended the emergency department with an isolated injury to his left elbow after falling on his outstretched left arm. On examination, the left elbow joint was swollen and clinically deformed with diffuse tenderness. The skin was intact and there was no neurovascular deficit in the left upper limb. We x rayed the elbow (figure). X ray of the boy's elbow 1. What does the x ray film show? 2. What should the assessment of such an incident include? 3. What is the classification of supracondylar fractures of the humerus? 4. What are the potential complications of supracondylar fractures? 5. How should this fracture be managed? 1. The x ray film shows a displaced supracondylar fracture of the left humerus with the distal fragment of the humerus displaced posteriorly. 2. Assessment should include a quick general evaluation of the patient to ensure that the airways are patent, breathing is …