Gartland classification is used for which pediatric elbow fracture?

Gartland classification is used for which pediatric elbow fracture?

• A. Proximal humerus fracture
• B. Radial head fracture
• C. Supracondylar humerus fracture
• D. Olecranon fracture

Answer: (C)

This classification applies to injuries of the distal humerus in children, specifically supracondylar fractures. It helps describe how displaced the fracture is after a fall on an outstretched hand, which in turn guides treatment decisions. The basic idea is to distinguish nondisplaced fractures from those with increasing displacement: a stable, nondisplaced fracture is treated with immobilization; a partially displaced fracture with some cortical contact may require careful reduction and stabilization; a completely displaced fracture with no cortical contact usually needs reduction followed by pin fixation to protect vessels and nerves and restore alignment. In newer formulations, multidirectional instability is also recognized. Knowing the level of displacement and stability directly informs whether conservative management or operative fixation is needed, which is why this system is specifically associated with supracondylar humerus fractures in children.

This classification applies to injuries of the distal humerus in children, specifically supracondylar fractures. It helps describe how displaced the fracture is after a fall on an outstretched hand, which in turn guides treatment decisions. The basic idea is to distinguish nondisplaced fractures from those with increasing displacement: a stable, nondisplaced fracture is treated with immobilization; a partially displaced fracture with some cortical contact may require careful reduction and stabilization; a completely displaced fracture with no cortical contact usually needs reduction followed by pin fixation to protect vessels and nerves and restore alignment. In newer formulations, multidirectional instability is also recognized. Knowing the level of displacement and stability directly informs whether conservative management or operative fixation is needed, which is why this system is specifically associated with supracondylar humerus fractures in children.