Sequential Opposite-pattern Supracondylar Fractures in the Same Elbow of a Child
- 1Department of Orthopaedics, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Abstract
Supracondylar humerus fractures in children are most commonly of the extension type, whereas flexion-type injuries are rare. Sequential occurrence of extension- and flexion-type supracondylar fractures in the same elbow is extremely uncommon. We report a child who sustained a Gartland type II extension-type supracondylar fracture at 5 years of age, managed conservatively with above-elbow casting. He recovered fully and resumed normal activities. Ten months later, at age 6 years, he sustained a new fall on the same limb and presented with a Gartland type III flexion-type supracondylar fracture. Closed reduction and crossed K-wire fixation were performed, wires were removed at three weeks, and mobilization was initiated. At 1-year follow-up, he demonstrated a full range of motion and no deformity. This rare sequential pattern may represent either two independent trauma events or a possible refracture in the setting of structurally unverified healing after conservative treatment. The case highlights refracture-related considerations reported in pediatric fracture literature and underscores the importance of radiographic follow-up and counseling regarding return to activity in children treated non-operatively.
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BibTeX
@article{kadambila2026sequential,
title = {{Sequential Opposite-pattern Supracondylar Fractures in the Same Elbow of a Child}},
author = {Vishwas Kadambila and B. S. Sudharshan Abhishek and Mohammed Tameez Ud Din and John Joe Jacob},
journal = {Annals of African Medicine},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.4103/aam.aam_11_26},
url = {https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_11_26},
note = {CC BY-NC-SA 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Sequential Opposite-pattern Supracondylar Fractures in the Same Elbow of a Child
AU - Vishwas Kadambila
AU - B. S. Sudharshan Abhishek
AU - Mohammed Tameez Ud Din
AU - John Joe Jacob
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/05
JO - Annals of African Medicine
DO - 10.4103/aam.aam_11_26
UR - https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_11_26
AB - Supracondylar humerus fractures in children are most commonly of the extension type, whereas flexion-type injuries are rare. Sequential occurrence of extension- and flexion-type supracondylar fractures in the same elbow is extremely uncommon. We report a child who sustained a Gartland type II extension-type supracondylar fracture at 5 years of age, managed conservatively with above-elbow casting. He recovered fully and resumed normal activities. Ten months later, at age 6 years, he sustained a new fall on the same limb and presented with a Gartland type III flexion-type supracondylar fracture. Closed reduction and crossed K-wire fixation were performed, wires were removed at three weeks, and mobilization was initiated. At 1-year follow-up, he demonstrated a full range of motion and no deformity. This rare sequential pattern may represent either two independent trauma events or a possible refracture in the setting of structurally unverified healing after conservative treatment. The case highlights refracture-related considerations reported in pediatric fracture literature and underscores the importance of radiographic follow-up and counseling regarding return to activity in children treated non-operatively.
SN - 1596-3519
SN - 0975-5764
ER -