Supracondylar fractures of the femur in children

Nonphyseal supracondylar fractures of the femur are considered to be uncomm on in children and have received little attention in the literature. A retr ospective review of femoral fractures in children at the authors' instituti on was undertaken to ascertain the incidence of supracondylar femoral fract ures, the influence of associated musculoskeletal conditions, and pitfalls of management. In this study of 102 femoral fractures, there was an inciden ce of 12% of supracondylar fractures Four of 12 patients. had a significant predisposing musculoskeletal condition contributing to the genesis of the fracture. Five fractures were undisplaced and easily managed. Seven displac ed fractures required intervention to achieve an adequate reduction. The li terature is reviewed and a classification system for these fractures is pre sented. Treatment options are discussed and recommendations made based on t his experience.