Distal humeral fractures

[Hina Muqadas]

Distal humeral fractures usually result from a fall on an outstretched arm or direct force; they may be associated with neurovascular injury.
(See also Overview of Fractures.)
Distal humeral fractures are common among children aged 3 to 11 years. The usual injury mechanism is a fall on an outstretched arm with the elbow extended or direct force, often causing posterior displacement or angulation.
The brachial artery or median or radial nerve may be damaged, particularly when the fracture is posteriorly displaced or angulated. Neurovascular injury sometimes leads to compartment syndrome of the forearm, which can cause Volkmann ischemic contracture (a flexion contracture at the wrist resulting in a clawlike hand deformity). Fractures are usually intra-articular, causing hemarthrosis.