A 6-year-old boy sustains an extension type supracondylar fracture of the humerus. Which nerve is MOST commonly injured in this injury?

• A Radial nerve
• B Ulnar nerve
• C Median nerve, classically its anterior interosseous branch ✓
• D Musculocutaneous nerve

Explanation

In extension type supracondylar fractures of the humerus, the median nerve, particularly its anterior interosseous branch, is the most frequently injured nerve, followed by the radial nerve. The displaced proximal fragment spikes forward into the soft tissues where these nerves lie. The ulnar nerve is relatively protected posteriorly and is the least commonly affected of the three major nerves here.

Reference: Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.