A 6 year-old girl fell from the monkey bars on her outstretched arm, what's the diagnosis? (scroll down for answer)

Answer:  Type III supracondylar fracture

Pitfalls in management

• Failure to recognize neurovascular compromise, so consider continuous pulse ox on the affected limb
• Delayed diagnosis of compartment syndrome and risk for Volkman's ischemic contracture 
• Failure to consult orthopedics as this injury requires early operative repair