Orthopedic & Muscular System: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Supracondylar Process, an Institutional Experience of a Rare Case Series

Raghu Kumar J, Prasanna Anaberu, Ajay SS, Ashoka Rakshith, Pradeep Hullatti

Supracondylar process is a bony projection arising from the anteromedial aspect of distal 1/3rd of humerus. It is a normal variant which is seen in 0.1% to 2.7% population without any genetic inheritance pattern or sex variation. The spur is frequently found to be attached by a thin ligament extending from the tip to the medial epicondyle which is called Struther’s ligament. This, being usually asymptomatic and is diagnosed as an incidental finding when the patient presents with pain in the region due to fracture of the process, compression of the median nerve or the brachial artery. Supracondylar process syndrome is a term that is specifically used when the median nerve or brachial artery is compressed under the Struther’s ligament showing a constellation of symptoms distally. The most common differentials for this rare condition are osteochondroma, myositis ossificans and hence, they should be ruled out to prevent unnecessary treatment. In this series we present 5 cases of supracondylar process which were found as an incidental finding due to pain in the distal humerus that presented to our institute. 2 cases had the median nerve in close proximity passing under the Struther’s ligament causing paresthesia in the forearm without any motor weakness. All cases were treated surgically with excision of the spur along with the ligament attachment with excellent post-operative results. Hence, the knowledge of the condition is of utmost importance for a definitive diagnosis and treatment as the condition is very rare in general day to day basis.

Published Date: 2020-06-18; Received Date: 2020-04-15