Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

Abstract

Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common pediatric elbow fracture and the second most common pediatric fracture overall. According to Cheng and colleagues (1999), supracondylar humerus fractures constitute approximately 18% of all fractures in children. They are second only to distal radius fractures, which represent approximately 20% of pediatric fractures. When stratified by age, supracondylar humerus fractures represent the most common fracture among both infant to 3-year-olds and 4–7-year-olds. In these age groups, supracondylar humerus fractures comprise approximately 27 and 32% of fractures, respectively. Supracondylar humerus fractures occur most frequently in children ages 5–7 years. There is no clear difference in incidence between genders.