Nerve injury in supracondylar fracture of humerus

• Nerve injuries occur in about 40% of type III (Gartland’s classification) supracondylar fractures
• Earlier literature stated that radial nerve was the most commonly injured nerve in supracondylar fractures
• But recent studies indicate that the anterior interosseous branch of median nerve is mostly affected
• Nerve involvement differ with the type of fracture
  • Anterior interosseous nerve is mostly affected during posterolateral displacement of the distal fragment
  • Radial nerve is mostly affected with posteromedial displacement
  • Ulnar nerve is involved in flexion type of supracondylar fracture

References:
The elbow and its disorders By Bernard F. Morrey, Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo, Page 226
Skeletal trauma in children, Volume 3 By Neil E. Green, Marc F. Swiontkowski, Page 212