Incidence and Management of Paediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures at National Hospital Abuja

Supracondylar humeral fractures are the most frequently occurring paediatric elbow fractures and carry significant risk of neurovascular complications when inadequately managed. This retrospective descriptive study reviews the incidence, clinical presentation, and management outcomes of supracondylar humeral fractures in children under fifteen years presenting at the National Hospital Abuja, North Central Nigeria, over a three-year period. Case records will be reviewed for patient age, sex, injury mechanism, Gartland classification, treatment modality employed (closed reduction, percutaneous pinning, or open reduction), neurovascular status at presentation, and complications. The study aims to determine the proportion managed surgically versus conservatively and to assess functional outcomes at final follow-up. It is anticipated that a significant percentage of cases will present with delayed management due to prior traditional bone setter visits, contributing to complication rates. Findings will be compared with published data from comparable African paediatric orthopaedic centres to contextualise local outcomes. This study will contribute to the evidence base supporting early surgical intervention protocols and parental education programmes at the hospital and beyond. Recommendations will be directed at the paediatric orthopaedic unit and hospital clinical governance committee to strengthen guidelines for this injury group. Improving awareness and timely access to surgical care for paediatric fractures remains a critical public health objective in the Federal Capital Territory. Keywords: supracondylar fracture, paediatric orthopaedics, humeral fractures, Abuja, Gartland classification.