Role of the Posterior Fat Pad Sign in Treating Displaced Extension Type Supracondylar Fractures of the Pediatric Elbow Using the Blount Method.

The posterior fat pad sign (PFPS) on the lateral elbow X-ray is useful in the diagnosis of a suspected nondisplaced fracture about the elbow after a subtle injury. However, the presence of a PFPS hallmarks a continuous posterior periosteum-posterior capsule of the distal humerus. This anatomic structure is crucial for the stable anatomic reduction of a displaced extension type supracondylar fracture.