Question

a 14 year old patient presents to your office with a complaint of elbow pain after a fall while running. you observe a gunstock deformity on the right elbow. this patient most likely suffers from which of the following? a) lateral epicondylar fracture b) supracondylar fracture c) medial epicondylar fracture d) ulnar nerve palsy

Explanation:

A gunstock deformity is a classic sign of a supracondylar fracture. In a supracondylar fracture (common in children, especially after a fall on an outstretched hand), the distal fragment of the humerus is displaced posteriorly, creating the characteristic gunstock - like appearance.

• Lateral epicondylar fracture: Usually associated with overuse (like in tennis elbow) rather than a deformity like gunstock.
• Medial epicondylar fracture: May occur with valgus stress injuries, but the gunstock deformity is not typical.
• Ulnar nerve palsy: Causes motor and sensory deficits (like claw hand) rather than a visible deformity like gunstock.

Answer:

B. Supracondylar fracture