Pediatric Supracondylar Process Fracture: Radiographic Distinction, Misdiagnosis, and Conservative Management

A supracondylar process is an embryonic vestigial remnant of the supracondylar foramen. It was intially described as a bone spur of the distal anteromedial humerus. An 11-year-old patient with a history of an asymptomatic mass was initially misdiagnosed with osteochondroma during a visit when five y...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-09, Vol.16 (9), p.e68547
Main Authors: Nihalani, Shrey, Frith, Katie, Conklin, Michael
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Asymptomatic
Fractures
Medical diagnosis
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
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Description
Summary:A supracondylar process is an embryonic vestigial remnant of the supracondylar foramen. It was intially described as a bone spur of the distal anteromedial humerus. An 11-year-old patient with a history of an asymptomatic mass was initially misdiagnosed with osteochondroma during a visit when five years old. Radiographic analysis revealed a tapered bony prominence with lucency at the base, representing a supracondylar process fracture after a fall. He was treated with a long-arm cast with uneventful healing and symptom resolution. This case emphasizes the importance of understanding the radiographic differences between the supracondylar process and osteochondroma to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary evaluations. These findings suggest that conservative management without neurovascular compromise is acceptable in selected cases.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.68547