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Supracondylar Fracture Complications
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Watch for median nerve and brachial artery injury.
Decision
Outcome
Decision
Pediatric displaced supracondylar humerus fracture. Most important early concerns?
✓
Neurovascular: median (especially anterior interosseous) nerve + brachial artery
✗
Just immobilize and follow-up in a week
Decision
Vascular exam findings most concerning?
✓
Absent radial pulse, pallor, pain on passive extension of fingers → compartment syndrome risk
✓
Intact distal perfusion, good capillary refill → splint and urgent ortho
Outcome
Emergent closed reduction + pinning; vascular consult if pulse not restored
Volkmann ischemic contracture is the late complication.
Outcome
Splint with elbow at 60–90° flexion; urgent ortho for reduction and percutaneous pinning