The olecranon osteotomy: a six-year experience in the treatment of intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus

OBJECTIVES: The transolecranon exposure for distal humerus fractures is a suggested technique for improving articular visualization, allowing accurate reduction. Significant osteotomy complications such as nonunion and implant prominence have prompted recommendations for alternate exposures. The purposes of this study are to present the techniques and complications of the olecranon osteotomy for the management of distal humerus fractures, and to evaluate the adequacy of distal humeral and olecranon articular reductions. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Urban level-1 University trauma center. PATIENTS: One hundred fourteen skeletally mature AO/OTA type 13-C distal humerus fractures were identified from the orthopedic trauma database and formed the study group. INTERVENTION: Seventy fractures (61%), including 42 open injuries, were managed using an intraarticular, chevron-shaped olecranon osteotomy. Osteotomy fixations were performed with an intramedullary screw and supplemental dorsal ulnar wiring, or plate stabilization. In the remaining 44 fractures (39%), soft-tissue mobilizing exposures were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Patient records and radiographs were reviewed to determine injury and operative characteristics, complications, and adequacy of articular reductions. Patient interviews were conducted by telephone to identify any subsequent surgical procedures. RESULTS: The proportion of osteotomies performed increased as fracture complexity increased (P<0.001). Sixty-seven of 70 patients had adequate follow-up to determine osteotomy union. All osteotomies united. There was 1 delayed union. Sixty-one of 70 patients had adequate follow-up to determine complications associated with ulnar fixations. Five of these patients (8%) underwent elective removal of symptomatic osteotomy fixations. An additional 13 patients had olecranon implants removed in conjunction with other surgical procedures (11 elbow contracture releases, 1 humeral nonunion repair, and 1 chronic draining sinus excision). Symptomatic ulnar fixations in this group could not be reliably ascertained, but may have been present. A total of 18 of 61 patients (29.5%), therefore, had proximal ulna fixations removed. All patients treated using an olecranon osteotomy exposure demonstrated satisfactory radiographic distal humeral articular reductions. Two osteotomies required early revision osteosynthesis secondary to loss of osteotomy reduction. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, no osteotomy nonunions were encountered in 67 patients, more than half of which were open injuries. Regardless of which type of fixation is used to secure the osteotomy, secure stabilization must be obtained. Isolated symptomatic olecranon fixation requiring removal occurred in approximately 8% of patients. Although not necessary for all fractures of the distal humerus, the olecranon osteotomy can be useful in the visualization of the complex articular injuries, allowing accurate articular reduction.     

The olecranon osteotomy provides better outcome than the triceps-lifting approach for the treatment of distal humerus fractures

Introduction

Intra-articular distal humeral fractures can be approached in a variety of ways. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the functional outcomes of two approaches: approach with olecranon osteotomy and triceps-lifting approach for the treatment of intra-articular distal humeral fractures.

Methods

This study shows a consecutive series of 54 intra-articular distal humeral fractures of 54 patients who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with anatomic plating. Lateral plating was performed in 10 (45.5 %) patients, and medial and lateral parallel plating was performed in 12 (54.5 %) patients in olecranon osteotomy group, while lateral plating was performed in 8 (25 %) patients, and medial and lateral parallel plating was performed in 24 (75 %) patients in triceps-lifting group.

Results

Mean follow-up was 38.3 months for olecranon osteotomy group and 41.4 months for triceps-lifting group. Functional outcomes according to MAYO elbow score and extension-flexion motion arc values were significantly better in olecranon osteotomy group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Approach with olecranon osteotomy provided better functional outcomes than triceps-lifting approach. Additionally, intra-articular distal humerus fractures can be safely treated with olecranon osteotomy which provides more control over the elbow joint and better visualisation and allows early postoperative rehabilitation.

Level of evidence

IV.     

Surgical management of intercondylar fractures of the humerus using triceps reflecting anconeus pedicle (TRAP) approach

Background:

Operative fixation of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus requires adequate exposure. The transolecranon approach is a commonly used approach. The olecranon osteotomy has potential complications related to prominence/migration of hardware, displacement/nonunion of osteotomy and triceps weakness. Triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle (TRAP) approach avoids the olecranon osteotomy without compromising the operative exposure. We present outcome of fixation of displaced intra-articular distal humeral fractures with the use of TRAP approach.

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed the functional and radiological results of 40 consecutive patients with intercondylar fractures of the humerus treated by internal fixation through TRAP approach. There were 28 males and 12 females and the average age was 32 ± 4.5 years. The right elbow was involved in 27 patients and the left elbow in 13 patients. The mechanism of injury was a fall in 20 patients, a motor-vehicle accident in 16 patients and direct trauma in four patients.

Results:

At a minimum follow-up of 12 months (average 18 ± 4 months) 35 (87.5%) patients had good triceps strength. The average range of motion was 118.4 ± 7 degrees (range 80°-130°). The average time to union was 3.2 ± 1.6 months (range two to six months). No patient had triceps rupture, implant failure, neurovascular deficit or nonunion. Two patients needed removal of the implant because of subcutaneous prominence.

Conclusions:

The TRAP approach provides good visualization for fixation of intercondylar fractures of the humerus, without any noticeable untoward effect on triceps strength and postoperative rehabilitation; and one can avoid iatrogenic fracture of the olecranon and its associated complications.     

Plate fixation of olecranon osteotomies

The management of intra-articular distal humeral fractures remains a difficult surgical problem. Although an olecranon osteotomy provides excellent exposure for management of these fractures, a number of complications can occur after the creation and repair of the osteotomy including nonunion, malunion, hardware failure, and pain secondary to prominent hardware. In an effort to reduce the incidence of these complications, the senior authors now use contoured 3.5 mm reconstruction plates for the fixation of their apex-distal chevron olecranon osteotomies. Two surgeons at a single institution used this technique of exposure on a series of 17 consecutive patients with intra-articular distal humerus fractures between 1996 and 1999. In this series, all osteotomies united. There was one complication related specifically to the osteotomy: one of the screws in the plate penetrated the proximal radioulnar joint, interfering with forearm rotation; a second procedure was required to shorten the screw. Only one of the 17 patients requested plate removal during the 32 month (average) follow-up period. Plate fixation of olecranon osteotomies using a 3.5 mm reconstruction plate provides a construct with predictable healing and few complications. The overall results using this technique are comparable with other reported methods in the literature.     

The triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle (TRAP) approach for distal humeral fractures and nonunions

Adequate exposure is a prerequisite for treatment of distal humeral fractures, as with most surgical procedures. Challenging as they may be to reduce and fix, these fractures can be made more or less difficult to treat based on exposure; complications of successful treatment may arise as a result of the exposure. In this article the authors describe the triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle (TRAP) approach to the distal humerus, which provides an extensile and versatile approach for treatment of fractures and nonunions. The TRAP approach provides almost the same exposure as an olecranon osteotomy, without the complications of the osteotomy, and has the added advantage of retaining the whole olecranon to use as a template against which to assemble the articular fragments of the trochlea.     

Olecranon osteotomy for exposure of fractures and nonunions of the distal humerus

Although olecranon osteotomy provides excellent exposure of the distal humerus, enthusiasm for this approach has been limited by reports suggesting numerous complications. It has been suggested that specific techniques for creating and repairing an olecranon osteotomy may help limit complications. This paper describes a technique for olecranon osteotomy using an apex, distal, chevron-shaped osteotomy, Kirschner wires directed out the anterior ulnar cortex distal to the coronoid process and bent 180degrees and impacted into the olecranon proximally, and two 22- gauge, figure-of-eight, stainless steel tension wires. A single surgeon used this technique for exposure of a fracture (16 patients) or nonunion (29 patients) of the distal humerus in 45 consecutive patients. One patient returned to activity too soon, had loosening of the wire fixation, and required a second operation for plate fixation of the ulna. The remaining 44 osteotomies (98%) healed with good alignment within 6 months. There were no broken or migrated wires prior to healing. Twelve patients (27%) had removal of the wires used to repair the olecranon: in 6 patients, this was for symptoms related to the wires (13%); 1 for septic olecranon bursitis, and 5 at the time of another procedure (elbow capsular release in 4 patients and submuscular ulnar nerve transposition in 1). Olecranon osteotomy can be used for exposure of the distal humerus with a low rate of complications when specific techniques are used.     

Distal-third diaphyseal fractures of the humerus: choice of approach and surgical treatment

Purpose

Distal-third diaphyseal fractures of the humerus are often hard to treat due to location and pattern of the fractures, radial nerve injury, and quality of bone and age of patients. The aim of this retrospective study is to propose the best approach and the best surgical technique according to the pattern of extra-articular fracture of the distal humerus.

Methods

We have treated 37 fractures of the distal humerus between January 2010 and July 2015 classified according to the AO classification. There were 2 open fractures. We treated all fractures with open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws. In 20 cases, we performed a posterior midline triceps-splitting approach, with patients in prone decubitus position; in 2 cases, the triceps-splitting approach with the patients in supine decubitus position; in 3 cases, the olecranon osteotomy approach in prone decubitus position; and in 12 cases, the lateral approach in supine decubitus position.

Results

Thirty cases had a medium follow-up of 6 months. We observe 2 post-operative radial nerve palsies healed in 5 months and 2 cases of non-union. The average time to union of remaining cases was 16 weeks (range 12–24). Elbow motility was complete in 25 cases, in 4 cases there was an extension loss of 5°, and in one case there was an extension loss of 10°.

Conclusions

The use of plates allows an anatomical fracture reduction, a better control of alignment of humerus and, with a rigid fixation, an early elbow mobilization. The best approach and the best surgical technique depend on the pattern of the fracture of distal humerus.

     

经尺骨鹰嘴截骨复位双钢板内固定治疗肱骨远端关节内粉碎骨折

目的　探讨肱骨远端关节内粉碎性骨折的手术疗效。方法　10例肱骨远端关节内粉碎骨折,采用肘关节后侧正中入路,尺骨鹰嘴截骨;骨折复位后,用重建钢板和 1 /3管型钢板分别放置于肱骨远端的后外侧和内侧固定;尺神经常规前置皮下,术后早期功能锻炼。结果　随访 20 ~61个月,骨折全部愈合,骨折愈合时间10~16周。肘关节平均活动度 110. 0°(95°~140°)。Mayo评分良好 9例,可 1例。一过性尺神经麻痹 1例,术后 1个月恢复,无桡神经损伤病例。结论　采用尺骨鹰嘴截骨、关节面解剖复位、双钢板固定和术后早期功能锻炼的方法治疗肱骨远端粉碎性骨折临床疗效良好。     

AO双接骨板系统治疗肱骨髁间骨折

目的探讨尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路AO双接骨板系统治疗肱骨髁间骨折的方法和临床效果。方法采用尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路AO双接骨板系统治疗27例肱骨髁间骨折患者。观察术后骨折愈合情况、临床疗效、并发症情况。结果患者均获随访,时间6～24个月,骨折全部愈合,愈合时间4～6个月。术后1周切口感染1例,骨化性肌炎(BrookⅠ度)2例。无尺神经损伤、接骨板螺钉断裂等情况。肘关节功能根据Cassebaum评分系统:优8例,良14例,可3例,差2例。结论尺骨鹰嘴截骨能为肱骨髁间骨折手术提供满意的术野暴露,而双接骨板系统能提供足够坚强的稳定性,是治疗肱骨髁间骨折安全有效的方法,临床疗效满意。     

T-condylar fractures of the distal humerus in children and adolescents.

This was a retrospective review of 17 T-condylar fractures in children and adolescents, aged 9-16 years. It examined the results by sex, age, arm injured, hand dominance, mechanism of injury, radiologic appearance, operative findings, operative procedure, outcome, and complications. There was a male-to-female ratio of 2.4:1. The large majority of patients received their fractures as a result of a fall. The majority of patients injured their nondominant left distal humerus. Five patients had a neuropathy, all of which spontaneously resolved. Fifteen patients underwent open reduction, internal fixation, with a mean postoperative follow-up of 16 months. The posteromedial (Bryan-Morrey) and the olecranon osteotomy approach resulted in a statistically significant better extension than the triceps-splitting approach (p < or = 0.05). Patients with articular damage had statistically significantly less extension at follow-up (p < or = 0.001). The use of continuous passive motion (CPM) in the immediate postoperative period resulted in a functional range of motion sooner and yielded a statistically significant increase in flexion at follow-up examination than when not used (p < or = 0.05).     

经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路双钢板内固定治疗肱骨远端C型骨折

目的探讨经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路双钢板内固定治疗肱骨远端C型骨折的疗效。方法采用经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路双钢板内固定治疗19例肱骨远端C型骨折患者。分析术后并发症、骨折愈合时间及肘关节功能等指标。结果19例均获得随访,时间13~24个月。骨折均愈合,时间12~23周。未发生手术并发症。末次随访时,按照Mayo肘关节功能评分标准评定疗效:优11例,良6例,可1例,差1例,优良率17/19;肘关节屈伸活动度为80°~140°(109.8°±12.2°),前臂旋转活动度为110°~180°(140.6°±22.6°)。结论经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路双钢板内固定治疗肱骨远端C型骨折显露充分,复位及内固定操作方便,双钢板固定牢固,术后并发症少,肘关节功能恢复好。     

经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路双钢板内固定治疗肱骨髁间粉碎骨折

目的探讨肱骨髁间粉碎骨折经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路双钢板内固定的疗效。方法采用尺骨鹰嘴截骨、骨折复位解剖型双钢板内固定治疗肱骨髁间粉碎骨折15例。结果15例随访6—24个月,骨折均愈合。按改良Cassebaum评分系统评分：优6例,良6例,可2例,差1例。结论采用尺骨鹰嘴截骨、关节面解剖复位、双钢板固定治疗肱骨髁间粉碎骨折临床疗效良好。     

Comparing approaches to expose type C fractures of the distal humerus for ORIF in elderly patients: six years clinical experience with both the triceps-sparing approach and olecranon osteotomy

Background

Although open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a standard fracture treatment method, the optimal way to expose a fracture prior to ORIF is debated. We compared the effects of two exposure methods, the triceps-sparing approach and olecranon osteotomy, on the functional outcomes of ORIF-treated type C distal humerus fractures in elderly people.

Methods

From January 2006 to January 2011, 75 elderly patients with type C distal humerus fractures were treated with ORIF, and we retrospectively reviewed their medical records, radiographs, and follow-up charts to identify any complications. Patients’ Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and range of motion were determined at their final clinic visit.

Results

Sixty-seven patients (89 %) attended the final visit. Of these patients, 36 received olecranon osteotomy and 31 received the triceps-sparing approach. For patients with type C1 and C2 fractures, we observed reductions in procedure times, blood loss, complication rates, and MEPS outcomes (all P < 0.01) with the triceps-sparing approach compared with olecranon osteotomy. Except for MEPS outcomes, all of these approach-related improvements were also statistically significantly for type C3 fractures (all P < 0.01). Overall, we did not observe any cases of fracture nonunion, implantation breakage or loosening, or elbow stiffening in our series.

Conclusions

In our study, we found better functional outcomes for type C1 and C2 distal humerus fractures that were exposed using the triceps-sparing approach rather than olecranon osteotomy. Even for the most complex type of fracture, C3 fractures, similar recoveries in elbow function were achieved using either approach.

Level of evidence

Level III.     

Triceps-sparing versus olecranon osteotomy for ORIF: analysis of 67 cases of intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus

The purpose of this study was to compare the triceps-sparing approach with olecranon osteotomy regarding their effects on the functional outcomes of intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus managed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), by reviewing 67 cases of intercondylar distal humerus fractures surgically managed with either of the approaches during 2001-2009. The medical records and radiographs of 30 male and 37 female patients, with a mean age of 44.5 years (range, 16-77) and a mean follow-up time of 34.3 months (range, 6-89), were retrospectively reviewed. Flexion, extension, arc of flexion/extension, pronation, supination, arc of pronation/supination and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were used to assess the functional outcomes of intercondylar distal humerus fractures treated with ORIF through the triceps-sparing approach or olecranon osteotomy. According to the AO Foundation (AO) classification, there were 10 cases of C1, 28 cases of C2 and 29 cases of C3 fractures. At the time of review, all fractures had united. Although there was no overall statistically significant difference in the average flexion, extension, arc of flexion/extension, pronation, supination and arc of pronation/supination between the triceps-sparing group (n = 34) and the olecranon osteotomy group (n = 33), patients above 60 years of age tended to have more extension loss (mean 22.9°, range 0-55°) after ORIF via the triceps-sparing approach, compared with any other surgical approach/age combination group. In the triceps-sparing group, although only 37.5% of patients over the age of 60 years obtained excellent/good MEPS, the rate increased to 100% in patients aged less than 40 years of age (P < 0.05). By contrast, the rate of excellent/good MEPS remained above 80% in all age groups of patients treated with ORIF via olecranon osteotomy. In conclusion, ORIF via the triceps-sparing approach confers inferior functional outcomes for intercondylar distal humerus fractures in patients over the age of 60 years, for whom the olecranon osteotomy approach may be a better choice. However, for patients less than 60 years of age, especially those less than 40 years of age, either approach confers satisfactory outcomes.     

Operative treatment of type C intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus: results after a mean follow-up of 2 years in a series of 18 patients

We reviewed the results of internal fixation in a series of 18 patients (mean age, 44.4 years; SD, 19.1 years; range, 16-81 years) with type C intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus after a mean follow-up of 24.7 months (range, 10-41 months; SD, 9.3 months). An excellent or good result was observed in 10 patients (56%), according to the rating system of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. All patients younger than 40 years (n = 8) had an excellent or good result, whereas those rates were found in only 2 of 10 patients older than 50 years. Low range of elbow motion (extension-flexion) and, consequently, inferior postoperative score were also correlated to male sex, the triceps-splitting approach, and immobilization exceeding 3 weeks. When stability of the humeral columns is achieved and the articular platform is reconstructed, satisfactory results can be obtained, even in comminuted supracondylar fractures. However, age over 50 years, poor bone quality, and open fracture are correlated with increased risk for an inferior postoperative result. Early mobilization, when possible, and the use of an olecranon osteotomy are recommended.     

Combined olecranon osteotomy and posterior triceps splitting approach for complex fractures of the distal humerus

Complex fractures involving the intercondylar/supracondylar distal humerus with extension into the mid to proximal humeral shaft are difficult to manage through a single standard surgical approach. We present and review a technique that combines an olecranon osteotomy with a posterior triceps splitting approach to the humerus. This technique was used in two patients who presented with severe intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus and extension proximally to the midshaft of the humerus. The technique allowed extensive distal humerus exposure, including the supracondylar/intercondylar region, and excellent exposure of the humeral shaft proximally to the surgical neck.     

L’ostéotomie de l’olécrâne dans le traitement des fractures de la palette humérale de l’adulte : évaluation anatomique et fonctionnelle du coude à propos de 14 cas

Osteotomy of the olecranon is commonly used to gain exposure for reconstruction of bicondylar fractures of the distal humerus (type 13-C of classification AO), but there is controversy because of the considerable complications inherent in this technique. The aim of our study is to examine the anatomical and functional consequences of this technique of exposure on the elbow. This is a retrospective study over a continuous 7-year period. We confined ourselves to patients more than 15 years old who had presented with a bicondylar fracture (type C of the AO) of the distal humerus, internally fixed through an osteotomy of the olecranon. We reexamined and evaluated 14 treated patients who had been operated in our service. There were nine men and five women with an average age of 34 years (range 17 to 70 years). According to the AO classification, we found 14 fractures distributed in the following way: three type C1, seven type C2 and four type C3; the fracture was open in two cases. The osteotomy was carried out in all the cases using an osteotome, extra-articular in six cases and intra-articular way in eight cases. Repair was always performed using tension band wiring. The evaluation was based on anatomical and functional criteria (Mayo Elbow Performance Score). No case of radial and ulnar paralysis was found. Thirty-six percent of the olecranon fixations were of bad quality and we found one case of olecranon pseudarthrosis. No case of heterotypic calcification was found, on the other hand, there was a case of post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the elbow. On the functional level, we obtained 36% of excellent results, 28.5% of good results, 7% of average results and 28.5% of bad results. Osteotomy of the olecranon is one of the techniques for exposure of the articular surface during reconstruction of fractures of the distal humerus. A rigorous technique allows one to avoid complications.     

尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路手术治疗成人C型肱骨髁间骨折的疗效观察

目的探讨C型肱骨髁问骨折经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路手术治疗的临床疗效。方法对16例肱骨髁间C型骨折,采用经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路双钢板内固定。男9例,女6例;年龄18～72岁,平均36．9岁。结果对本组患者随访3—36个月,骨折及尺骨鹰嘴截骨均未发现不愈合。按照Mayo评分为0～100分,平均81．25分,优8例,良5例,可2例,差1例。结论经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路切开复位内固定治疗肱骨髁间粉碎性骨折的疗效满意,截骨方法对术后功能无明显影响。坚强固定和早期功能锻炼有利于肢体功能恢复,是治疗肱骨髁间骨折的首选方法之一。     

The anconeus flap transolecranon approach to the distal humerus

The transolecranon approach for the treatment of distal humerus fractures and nonunions is commonly used. A complication of the standard osteotomy is denervation of the anconeus muscle, which provides dynamic stability to the lateral side of the elbow by preventing varus and posterolateral rotatory instability. This article describes the anconeus flap transolecranon (AFT) approach, which utilizes an internervous plane to preserve the anconeus muscle and a chevron-shaped osteotomy for maximal joint exposure. The approach is straightforward to perform with limited complications.     

经鹰嘴截骨入路治疗肱骨髁间骨折

肱骨髁间骨折为少见、难治性骨折。在影响手术效果的诸多因素中，手术入路是人们关注的方面之一。作者采用经尺骨鹰嘴截骨肘后入路显露的方法治疗该骨折１２例，其中男５例，女７例，平均年龄３１．２岁。按照ＡＯ／ＡＳＩＦ分类：Ｃ１２例，Ｃ２２例，Ｃ３８例。其中包括开放骨折２例。１０例经５～４２个月随访（平均１４个月），以Ｃａｓｂａｕｍ方法评价，优４例，良４例，可１例，功能明显障碍１例，未见截骨面愈合障碍。作者认为该方法显露广泛，特别适于复杂骨折的整复操作，术后粘连、僵硬程度轻，伸肘结构连续性的重建坚固，有利于术后早期功能活动，为进一步恢复功能创造了条件。