Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in adults.

Supracondylar fractures of the adult humerus are uncommon and present a difficult management problem. In this series of 50 patients better results were obtained by conservative rather than surgical management. In this series poor results were all related to inability to obtain rigid fixation at operation and resultant prolonged immobilization. Initial radiographic assessment is difficult and the shape of the distal humerus makes internal fixation a technical challenge. Except for simple fractures, conservative management is the recommended treatment.