In a supracondylar fracture of the humerus, which nerve is most commonly affected?
Answer:
Median nerve.
Explanation:
The median nerve is particularly vulnerable in supracondylar fractures of the humerus, especially with anterior displacement of the distal fragment. Injury can cause weakness of forearm pronation and wrist/finger flexion, depending on the level and severity of the injury.
Note: The anterior interosseous nerve (AIN), a branch of the median nerve, is also commonly affected, causing impaired thumb IP and index DIP flexion (difficulty making the “OK” sign).
