INJURIES TO THE ELBOW AND FOREARM

SUPRACONDYLAR FRACTURE OF THE HUMERUS

DIAGNOSIS (1) This fracture occurs most commonly in children from a fall on to

the outstretched hand, although it is also seen in adults. (2) There is tenderness and swelling over the distal humerus, but the

olecranon and two epicondyles remain in their usual ‘equilateral triangle’ relationship (which is lost in dislocation of the elbow).