Question:
What is the type of classification used for this fracture and its type?
What is the type of classification used for this fracture and its type?
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A displaced distal-humerus fracture above the elbow in a child uses the eponymous supracondylar grading — a complete displacement is the highest common grade.
Updated On: Aug 27, 2026
- Gartland type 3
- Salter Harris type 3
- Gartland type 4
- Salter Harris type 4
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Identify the fracture from the X-ray. The radiograph shows a fracture of the distal humerus above the elbow - a supracondylar fracture of the humerus, the commonest elbow fracture in children. Such fractures are graded by the Gartland classification, which applies specifically to extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures.
Step 2: Why Gartland type 3 (Option A) is correct. The Gartland classification is:
• Type I - undisplaced.
• Type II - displaced with the posterior cortex (hinge) intact.
• Type III - completely displaced with no cortical contact.
The image shows a completely displaced supracondylar fracture with loss of cortical continuity, which corresponds to Gartland type III. This grade typically needs urgent reduction and K-wire fixation.
Step 3: Why the other options are wrong.
• Salter-Harris type 3 (B) and type 4 (D) classify physeal (growth-plate) injuries, not the supracondylar metaphyseal fracture shown; Salter-Harris is therefore the wrong classification system here.
• Gartland type 4 (C) is an uncommon variant (multidirectional instability, intact periosteal hinge lost circumferentially) and does not describe the standard completely displaced pattern in the image; the well-recognised completely-displaced grade is type III.
Final answer: A (Gartland type 3).
Step 2: Why Gartland type 3 (Option A) is correct. The Gartland classification is:
• Type I - undisplaced.
• Type II - displaced with the posterior cortex (hinge) intact.
• Type III - completely displaced with no cortical contact.
The image shows a completely displaced supracondylar fracture with loss of cortical continuity, which corresponds to Gartland type III. This grade typically needs urgent reduction and K-wire fixation.
Step 3: Why the other options are wrong.
• Salter-Harris type 3 (B) and type 4 (D) classify physeal (growth-plate) injuries, not the supracondylar metaphyseal fracture shown; Salter-Harris is therefore the wrong classification system here.
• Gartland type 4 (C) is an uncommon variant (multidirectional instability, intact periosteal hinge lost circumferentially) and does not describe the standard completely displaced pattern in the image; the well-recognised completely-displaced grade is type III.
Final answer: A (Gartland type 3).
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