Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children are either flexion or extension in type. Associated nerve or vascular injury is common. Fractures that remain stable after reduction can be treated with elbow flexion. If the fracture is unstable or if circulation is compromised, percutaneous pinning or traction treatment is utilized. The ischemic hand is always evaluated for brachial artery damage or for the presence of a compartment syndrome. Varus positioning should always be avoided, but other malalignments either remodel or are not of functional significance.