A 7-year-old child sustains a supracondylar humerus fracture (Gartland Type III). Which nerve is MOST commonly injured in this fracture pattern?

• A Ulnar nerve
• B Radial nerve
• C Median nerve (anterior interosseous nerve) ✓
• D Musculocutaneous nerve

Explanation

In Gartland Type III (completely displaced, posteromedial or posterolateral) supracondylar fractures, the anterior interosseous nerve (branch of median nerve) is the most commonly injured nerve. AIN palsy presents as inability to flex the IP joint of the thumb and DIP joint of the index finger (anterior interosseous syndrome) without sensory loss. Ulnar nerve injury is more common with medially displaced fractures, while radial nerve injury is less frequent. Musculocutaneous nerve injury is rare.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.