A child aged 7 years presents with a supracondylar humerus fracture. The anterior humeral line (AHL) on lateral X-ray passes through the posterior third of the capitellum. The Baumann angle on AP is 55°. According to Gartland classification, this fracture is:

• A Type I (undisplaced)
• B Type II (posterior cortex intact, displaced anteriorly) ✓
• C Type III (completely displaced, no cortical contact)
• D Type IV (multidirectionally unstable)

Explanation

In Gartland Type II fractures, the posterior cortex remains intact (acts as a hinge) but there is anterior displacement of the distal fragment, causing the AHL to pass posterior to the normal midthird of the capitellum. The Baumann angle of 55° indicates varus alignment (normal >70°). Type I is undisplaced. Type III has complete cortical disruption with no contact between fragments. Type IV (Leitch modification) shows rotational instability in both flexion and extension.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.