Ow my elbow! A bit about supracondylar fractures of the humerus

Type I
Nondisplaced or minally displaced fracture
On the lateral view: anterior humeral line remains intact but a posterior fat pad sign may be present
Treatment
Treated w/ immobilization in long arm posterior splint w/ elbow flexed and outpatient Ortho follow up





Type II
Posterior cortex remains intact, making it a greenstick fracture technically
Treatment:
Require adequate reduction and percutaneous pinning in many instances
Consult Ortho immediately






Type III
Displaced with no cortical contact
Treatment
Immediate Ortho consult - This will need to go to the OR in most instances