Supracondylar fractures - Gartland classification of extension fractures

Gartland classification is used for classification of supracondylar fractures that are common in children. It divides them into three types according to displacement of fragments.

Type Description
Type 1 Undisplaced of minimally displaced fracture
Type 2 Displaced distal fragment with dorsal angulation and intact posterior cortex
Type 3 Complete posterior displacement with no cortical contact

References:

1. Gartland JJ. Management of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1959 Aug;109(2):145–54.

Images:

Gartland type I supracondylar fracture of distal humerus Gartland type II supracondylar fracture of distal humerus Gartland type III supracondylar fracture of distal humerus
Figures show Gartland I, II and III fracture schemes (left to right).

Updated 31/8/2013 23:51 by Lambert