A 10-year-old boy falls on an outstretched hand and is brought with a painful, swollen elbow. X-ray shows anterior displacement of the distal humerus with the anterior humeral line passing anterior to the capitellum. There is a posterior fat pad sign. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A Lateral condyle fracture
- B Supracondylar fracture of the humerus — extension type ✓
- C Medial epicondyle avulsion
- D Radial head fracture
Correct answer: B. Supracondylar fracture of the humerus — extension type
Explanation
In a Gartland extension-type supracondylar fracture the anterior humeral line, which normally bisects the middle third of the capitellum, passes anterior to it. The posterior fat pad sign indicates haemarthrosis and is an important indirect radiological sign. This is the most common elbow fracture in children aged 5–10 years and carries the risk of anterior interosseous nerve injury and Volkmann's ischaemia.
Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.