Gartland classification

Trauma and orthopaedics

Also known as: Gartland-Klassifikation (suprakondyläre Humerusfraktur) · Gartland sınıflaması (suprakondiler humerus kırığı) · Gartland classification (supracondylar humerus fractures in children)

What it is for

Grades extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures in children by displacement on the lateral radiograph; flexion-type fractures are classified separately.

Classification

CategoryDescription
Type Iundisplaced or minimally displaced; the anterior humeral line still passes through the capitellum; a posterior fat pad may be the only sign.
Type IIdisplaced with an intact posterior cortex (hinge); the anterior humeral line passes in front of the capitellum. IIA: no rotation or translation; IIB: with rotation or translation, fragments still in contact.
Type IIIcompletely displaced, no cortical contact.
Type IV (Leitch)complete loss of the periosteal hinge, unstable in both flexion and extension; usually recognised during reduction under anaesthesia.

Source

Management of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children

Surg Gynecol Obstet 1959;109:145–154 (Gartland JJ)

PMID: 13675986

Edition
Gartland 1959, modified by Wilkins 1984 (IIA/IIB) and Leitch 2006 (type IV)
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