Work

Pediatric Floating Elbow: A Case Report of Combined Supracondylar Humerus and Distal Both Bone Forearm Fractures in an 11-Year-Old Boy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The term "floating elbow" describes a rare injury pattern in children involving ipsilateral fractures of the humerus and forearm bones. These high-energy injuries are frequently associated with neurovascular compromise and carry a risk of compartment syndrome. We report an 11-year-old boy who sustained a fall from height, resulting in a left supracondylar humerus fracture (Gartland type III) and ipsilateral distal radius and ulna fractures. Closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation were performed for the supracondylar fracture, and open reduction with K-wire fixation was done for the distal radius, under general anesthesia. Postoperatively, the limb was immobilized in an above-elbow posterior splint. The neurovascular status remained intact throughout the course. The patient achieved radiological union and a full range of motion at three months. Early recognition and prompt fixation of both fractures yield favorable outcomes in pediatric floating elbow injuries. Careful monitoring for compartment syndrome remains essential.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.103007

Authors: Sk Julfikar Hossain, Basant Rai, Anurag S Sekhon

Institution: Government Medical College, Amritsar

Language: English

Topic: Elbow and Forearm Trauma Treatment

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7128043099