Supracondylar process of the humerus Supracondylar process of the humerus The supracondylar process of the humerus (also known as an "avian spur") is a bony projection on the anteromedial aspect of the upper arm bone (humerus), about 5 cm above the medial epicondyle. It is directed downward, forward and medially pointing to the medial epicondyle. It is an anatomical variation which occurs in about one percent of all people. A fibrous band, Struthers ligament, may connect this process to the medial epicondyle. Supracondylar processes are usually asymptomatic, but may be palpable as a mass on the upper arm. They are most commonly found as an
Supracondylar humerus fracture should be used to immobilise the elbow at 20 to 30 degrees flexion in order to prevent further injury of the blood vessels and nerves while doing X-rays. Splinting of fracture site with full flexion or extension of the elbow is not recommended as it can stretch the blood vessels and nerves over the bone fragments or can cause impingement of these structures into the fracture site. Depending on the child's age, parts of the bone will still be developing and if not yet calcified, will not show up on the X-rays. The capitulum of the humerus is the first