What is a common complication of supracondylar humerus fractures in children?

Compartment syndrome is indeed a common complication associated with supracondylar humerus fractures in children. This type of fracture typically occurs in the elbow region and can lead to swelling and increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the arm. When the pressure rises to a level that exceeds the perfusion pressure, it can impair blood flow, leading to muscle and nerve damage.

In children, the anatomic features of the arm, combined with the potential for significant swelling following a fracture, make them particularly susceptible to this condition. Compartment syndrome is characterized by severe pain, tightness, and diminished function, necessitating prompt diagnosis and intervention, such as fasciotomy, to relieve the pressure and prevent permanent damage.

In contrast, while osteomyelitis can be a concern in fractures, it is typically not an immediate complication of acute injuries like supracondylar humerus fractures. Growth plate fractures are also serious yet represent a different category of injury, focusing on the growth plates rather than the complications arising from typical fractures. Radial nerve palsy can occur with such fractures but is less common compared to the risk of compartment syndrome, thus making the latter the more prevalent and critical complication to consider in these scenarios.