Fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients treated with a ring fixator

The aim of distal humerus fracture treatment is articular surface reduction and stable fixation for early mobilisation and rehabilitation. This is usually performed by open reduction and internal fixation with plates. In the elderly osteoporotic patient this treatment is difficult to achieve due to fixation failure in fragile bone. We present our experience with treatment by closed reduction and external fixation with a non-bridging ring fixator in distal humerus fractures in elderly patients. There were ten females, aged 70–89 (average 78.4). Fracture types (AO/ASIF) included three supracondylar fractures (type A) and seven intercondylar fractures (type C). All patients were treated by closed reduction and external fixation with a non-bridging ring fixator of the distal humerus and immediate postoperative mobilisation of the elbow. External fixation was removed on an average of 72 days (range 62–90). All fractures united. Average time to union was 56 days. Average range of movement at six months was 22° extension lag (range 15°–30°) and 115° flexion (range 110°–120°). Complications included one patient with transient radial palsy and one patient with a superficial decubitus ulcer on the chest wall from the hardware. Minimally invasive treatment by closed reduction and external fixation with a ring fixator is effective for treatment of fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients with osteoporotic bone. This treatment enables immediate mobilisation of the elbow, and allows return to function. It should be considered an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation or total elbow replacement.     

Mid-term results of complex distal humeral fractures

The aim of this study was to assess outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation in complex fractures of the distal humerus. Between 2000 and 2006, 34 patients were operated for complex fractures of the distal humerus. Bone fixation was obtained with a reverse Y-shaped reconstruction plate in 13 cases and with double plating in 21 cases. At final follow-up, all the patients were assessed with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Satisfactory results were observed in 71% of the cases despite a high rate of complications. Age over 65 years is correlated with increased risk for an inferior postoperative result. Complex distal humeral fractures are difficult to treat and are associated with a high incidence of complications. It is therefore mandatory to obtain good anatomical reduction and a stable fixation of lateral and medial columns of the distal humerus. The results observed in older patients suggest that an alternative treatment for these patients may be joint replacement.     

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。     

锁定加压双接骨板治疗肱骨远端C型骨折

目的探讨切开复位LCP双接骨板内固定治疗肱骨远端C型(AO分型)骨折的临床疗效。方法对21例肱骨远端C型骨折采用切开复位LCP双接骨板内固定治疗。术后3 d开始保护性功能锻炼。按照Mayo肘关节功能评分系统(MEPS)及X线片评估术后疗效。结果患者均获随访,时间18～43个月,均骨性愈合。末次随访时肘关节平均活动度:屈伸87°±3°,屈曲114°±4°,伸直27°±6°,旋前65°±4°,旋后67°±5°。肘关节Mayo功能评分:55～100(87±4)分,优13例,良3例,可4例,差1例。术后并发症:4例出现暂时性尺神经麻痹,1例关节僵硬,1例有创伤性关节炎表现。结论切开复位LCP双接骨板内固定治疗肱骨远端C型骨折能提供坚强内固定,允许早期功能锻炼,临床疗效满意。     

双侧锁定钢板治疗老年患者C型肱骨远端骨折

目的 探讨双侧锁定钢板治疗老年患者C型肱骨远端骨折的临床效果.方法 回顾性分析笔者所在医院2005年4月～2009年1月采用切开复位双侧锁定钢板内固定治疗C型肱骨远端骨折老年患者14例,评价其效果.结果所有患者随访13～32个月,平均28个月.无内固定失效,骨折均愈合.采用改良Cassbaum评分系统评价,11例患者术后功能恢复优良.结论 切开复位双侧锁定钢板内固定治疗老年患者C型肱骨远端骨折能达到良好的临床效果.     

解剖型锁定钢板内固定治疗肱骨远端C型骨折

目的探讨应用解剖型锁定钢板内固定治疗C型肱骨远端骨折的疗效。方法肱骨远端C型骨折28例,按AO/ASIF分类:C1型10例,C2型15例,C3型3例;均采用采用尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路,解剖型锁定钢板内固定。受伤至手术时间平均5.8 d(2 h~10 d)。结果术后28例均获随访,平均20(2~30)月。骨折愈合时间平均3.5(2~10)个月。根据Cassebaum评分系统评定肘关节功能:优10例,良12例,可5例,差1例,优良率为78.6%,结论采用尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路,早期切开解剖复位、解剖型钢板内固定及早期有计划地康复训练治疗肱骨远端骨折,复位良好,固定可靠,能最大限度地恢复肘关节功能。     

Fixed-Angle Volar Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures in Immunosuppressed Patients

The aim of this study was to define the outcome and complications following open reduction and internal fixed-angle plating of distal radius fractures for patients on chronic immunosuppression medications. A retrospective study identified 11 patients with distal radius fractures that had been on chronic immunosuppressive medication. The mean patient age was 59.9 years (40–82 years). According to the Orthopedic Trauma Association classification, there was one 23A3, one 23B3, and nine 23C type fractures. There were two open fractures. All patients received preoperative antibiotics and underwent reduction and fixation with a volar, fixed-angle plate. Postoperative measurements included postoperative and final radiographic indices, wrist flexion and extension, forearm rotation, and grip strength. Clinical follow-up averaged 13 months, and radiographic follow-up averaged 14.9 months. Statistical analysis was performed comparing means of various parameters with a two-sided t test with an alpha value ≤0.05. All fractures healed, and there were no infections. The final mean ulnar variance, volar tilt, and radial inclination were −0.1 mm (ulnar negative; −2.0 to +2.5 mm), 13° (5–23°), and 21° (15–27°), respectively. The mean articular gap or step was 0.4 mm. There was a small but significant decrease between the final and postoperative mean ulnar variance (p = 0.03). Mean wrist flexion was 47°, extension 47°, pronation 77°, and supination was 76°. Grip strength averaged 16.3 kg versus 25.1 kg for the opposite extremity. The one major complication included a postoperative carpal tunnel syndrome. Fixed-angle volar plate fixation for distal radius fractures in patients with chronic immunosuppression was associated with union (with acceptable radiographic alignment), no wound-healing problems or infections, and with functional wrist and forearm motion and grip strength.     

Bilateral triceps tendon approach is flexible and efficient in the treatment of type C distal humerus fractures

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess and compare elbow range of motion, triceps extension strength and functional results of type C (AO/OTA) distal humerus fractures treated with bilateral triceps tendon (BTT) approach and olecranon osteotomy (OO). At the same time, we are also trying to know whether BTT approach can provide sufficient vision for comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus, and whether it is convenient to convert to the treatment to total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) or OO.MethodsPatients treated with OO and BTT approaches for type C distal humerus fractures between July 2014 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria include: (1) patients' age were more than 18 years old, (2) follow-up was no less than 6 months, and (3) patients were diagnosed with type C fractures (based on the AO/OTA classification). Exclusion criteria include: (1) open fractures (Gustillo type 2 or type 3), (2) treated by other approaches, and (3) presented with combined injuries of ipsilateral upper extremities, such as ulnar nerve. Elbow range of motion and triceps extension strength testing were completely valuated, when the fractures had healed. Assessment of functional results using the Mayo elbow performance score and complications were conducted in final follow-up. The data were compared using the two tailed Student's t-test. All data were presented as mean ± standard deviation.ResultsEighty-six patients of type C distal humerus fractures, treated by OO and BTT approach were retrospectively reviewed between July 2014 and December 2017. Fifty-five distal humerus fractures (23 males and 32 females, mean age 52.7 years) treated by BTT approach or OO were included in this study. There were 10 fractures of type C1, 16 type C2 and 29 type C3 according to the AO/OTA classification. Patients were divided into two surgical approach groups chosen by the operators: BTT group (28 patients) and OO group (27 patients). And the mean follow-up time of all patients was 15.6 months (range, 6–36 months). Three cases in BTT group were converted to TEA, and one converted to OO. Only one case in BTT group presented poor articular reduction with a step more than 2 mm. There were not significantly different in functional outcomes according to the Mayo elbow performance score, operation time and extension flexion motion are values between BTT group and OO group (p > 0.05). Complications and reoperation rate were also similar in the two groups. Triceps manual muscle testing were no significant difference in the two groups, even subdivided in elder patients (aged >60 years old).ConclusionBTT is a safe approach to achieve similar functional result comparing with OO. BTT were not suitable for every case with severe comminuted pattern, but it avoids the potential complications related to OO, and has no complications concerning with triceps tendon. It is convenient for open reduction internal fixation and flexible to be converted to OO, as well as available to be converted to TEA in elder patients.     

肱骨远端C型骨折术后伸肘功能丢失原因分析

目的探讨采用经肱三头肌两侧入路内固定治疗肱骨远端C型骨折伸肘功能丢失的可疑因素。方法自2002年4月至2008年12月采用经肱三头肌两侧入路双钢板内固定治疗肱骨远端骨折30例,其中男8例,女22例;年龄12～80岁,平均41.4岁。按AO肱骨远端骨折分型标准评价,其中C2型12例,C3型18例（其中C3.1型11例,C3.2型4例,C3.3型3例）。结果 30例获得12～40个月随访,平均26个月。参照HSS肘关节评分标准评价术后功能,优11例,良13例,可2例,差4例,优良率80%（肘关节屈伸范围平均为18°～114°）。结论采用经肱三头两侧入路治疗肱骨髁间骨折,缩短手术操作时间,解剖重建冠状窝及滑车旋转轴,清理肘后肱三头肌下机化组织,早期功能锻炼,可以减少伸肘功能丢失。     

Outcome after open reduction and angular stable internal fixation for supra-intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus: preliminary results with the LCP distal humerus system

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the distal humerus are complex injuries that can be effectively treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The new LCP distal humerus system allows angular stable fixation of these complex fractures with anatomically preshaped plates. The aim of the study was to evaluate operative reposition, fracture healing, and pain, function and patient satisfaction after open reduction with an angular stable fixation. METHODS: Fourteen patients with a mean age of 55.2 years (21-83) were treated with open reduction and angular stable internal fixation. Two patients were lost to follow up (1 died, one refused to be reevaluated). AO classification showed 12 C-fractures (1 x C 1.1; 1 x C 1.3; 4 x C 2.2; 4 x C 3.2; 2 x C 3.3) and 2 B-fracture (B 2.3 and B 3.3). 5 fractures were open fractures (4 x II degrees , 1 x I degrees ). The clinical and radiographic follow up (Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), Dash Score, elbow anterior-posterior and lateral view X-rays, and flexion and extension force as % of contralateral side at 90 degrees flexion) were performed postoperatively. Mean follow up was 10 months. RESULTS: Radiographically, complete union was achieved in all patients. There were no cases of primary malposition or secondary dislocation. Complications were: (1) delayed union after olecranon osteotomy, (2) transient ulnar nerve irritation. Clinical MEPS results were good to excellent with a mean of 91 +/- 11.7 points. The mean DASH Score was 18.5 +/- 11.5 points. Mean flexion was 121 +/- 20.9, mean extension deficit was 17.9 degrees +/- 10.3. Mean flexion force was 75.3% +/- 26.7 and mean extension force was 70.7 % +/- 24.9. CONCLUSION: Treatment of supra-intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus is challenging. Anatomically preshaped angular stable implants facilitate operative reduction and stabilization of the fracture and may allow early postoperative rehabilitation. Clinical and radiological results are promising, with good range of motion and flexion and extension force.     

单切口切开复位内固定治疗胫腓骨远端骨折

目的探讨单切口切开复位钢板螺钉内固定治疗胫腓骨远端骨折的疗效。方法回顾性分析2015年8月~2018年9月我院骨科收治的46例胫腓骨远端骨折患者的临床资料,均为闭合性骨折,均行切开复位钢板螺钉内固定。其中,23例采用单切口入路(观察组),23例采用双切口入路(对照组)。记录并比较两组手术、骨折愈合、并发症情况,采取Johner-wruhs评分评价临床效果。结果两组均顺利完成手术,观察组出血量、手术时间及骨折愈合时间均优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。随访6~18个月,平均(14.72±2.66)个月,所有患者均未发生感染、骨不连、血管神经损伤、骨折畸形愈合,下肢力线均得到很好纠正,膝关节、踝关节、距下关节运动范围好,无痛,步态正常。Johner-wruhs评分均达到优良。结论单切口行钢板螺钉内固定治疗胫腓骨远端骨折创伤小,可缩短手术时间,减少出血,促进骨折愈合,降低术后感染发生率,临床效果可靠,且操作简单,易于掌握。     

Outcome Following Acute Primary Distal Ulna Resection for Comminuted Distal Ulna Fractures at the Time of Operative Fixation of Unstable Fractures of the Distal Radius

Optimal acute management of the highly comminuted distal ulna head/neck fracture sustained in conjunction with an unstable distal radius fracture requiring operative fixation is not well established. The purpose of the present study was to determine the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes following acute primary distal ulna resection for comminuted distal ulna fractures performed in conjunction with the operative fixation of unstable distal radius fractures. Between 2000 and 2007, 11 consecutive patients, mean age 62 years (range, 30–75) were treated for concomitant closed, comminuted, unstable fractures of the distal radius and ulna metaphysis. All 11 patients underwent distal ulna resection through a separate dorsal ulnar incision with ECU tenodesis following surgical fixation of the distal radius fracture. According to the Q modifier of the Comprehensive Classification of Fractures, there were six comminuted fractures of the ulnar neck (Q3) and five fractures of the head/neck (Q5). Operative fixation of the distal radius fracture included volar plate fixation in four patients and spanning external fixation with supplemental percutaneous Kirschner wires in seven patients. At a mean of 42 months (range, 18–61 months) postoperatively, clinical, radiographic, and wrist-specific functional outcome with the modified Gartland and Werley wrist score were evaluated. At latest follow-up, mean wrist range of motion measured 53° flexion (range, 35–60°), 52° extension (range, 30–60°), 81° pronation (range, 75–85°), and 77° supination (range, 70–85°). Mean grip strength measured 90% of the contralateral, uninjured extremity (range, 50–133%). No patient had distal ulna instability. Final radiographic assessment demonstrated restoration of distal radius articular alignment. According to the system of Gartland and Werley as modified by Sarmiento, there were seven excellent and four good results. No patient has required a secondary surgical procedure. Acute primary distal ulna resection yields satisfactory clinical, radiographic, and functional results in appropriately selected patients and represents a reliable alternative to open reduction and internal fixation when anatomic restoration of the distal ulna/sigmoid notch cannot be achieved. Primary distal ulna resection with distal radius fracture fixation may help avoid secondary procedures related to distal ulna fixation or symptomatic post-traumatic distal radioulnar joint arthrosis.     

Outcomes of distal humerus diaphyseal injuries fixed with a single-column anatomic plate

Purpose

The locking compression extra-articular distal humerus plate (EADHP) is an anatomically shaped, angular stable single-column fixation system for distal third humerus fractures. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation of distal humerus fractures with this device.

Methods

Twenty-one consecutive patients with distal humerus fractures were treated with the EADHP system between February 2006 and June 2012. Of these, 19 were clinically and radiographically evaluated after a mean follow-up of 10.4 months. Follow-up assessment included anteroposterior and lateral radiographs, assessment of range of motion (ROM), pain according to a visual analogue scale (VAS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.

Results

All fractures demonstrated satisfactory reduction and healing at an average of 7.3 months. One patient showed post-operative sensory ulnar neuropathy that recovered completely, and nine patients had a preoperative radial nerve palsy, which recovered spontaneously following exploration and plating. Mean post-operative ROM was as follows: flexion 126°, extension −7°, pronation 82° and supination 83°. The VAS score was zero points in eight patients, while the mean DASH score was 25.8 points.

Conclusions

For extra-articular distal humerus fractures, including high-energy injuries often seen in gunshot wounds or motor vehicle injuries, the anatomically shaped angular stable single-column plate provides satisfactory clinical and radiographic results and serves as a valuable tool in the treatment of these injuries.     

Does osteoporosis increase complication risk in surgical fracture treatment? A protocol combining new endpoints for two prospective multicentre open cohort studies

Background  

With an ever-increasing elderly population, orthopaedic surgeons are faced with treating a high number of fragility fractures. Biomechanical tests have demonstrated the potential role of osteoporosis in the increased risk of fracture fixation complications, yet this has not been sufficiently proven in clinical practice. Based on this knowledge, two clinical studies were designed to investigate the influence of local bone quality on the occurrence of complications in elderly patients with distal radius and proximal humerus fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation.     

Das präformierte LCP®-Plattenfixateursystem bei distalen Humerusfrakturen AO-Typ 13C3

In distal intraarticular humerus fractures primary stable osteosynthesis is essential for early mobilization of the elbow joint. Double-plate osteosynthesis techniques using different configurations are the gold standard. In the literature plate position is sometimes discussed controversially. In cases of distal humerus fractures (type AO 13C3) with metaphyseal comminution, as well as in elderly patients with poor bone quality, utilizing locking plates with angular stability was found to have increased structural properties with regard to primary fixation stability. The dorsal approach with osteotomy of the olecranon seems to be very effective in open reduction and internal fixation of this type of fracture.One new development is the anatomically preformed plate-fixation systems such as the LCP-System for distal humerus (Synthes). This study presents our first experience with this system in 11 cases of open reduction and internal fixation of type AO 13C3 distal humerus fractures. The system-specific features and intraoperative options were analyzed.     

Minimally Invasive Anterior Plate Osteosynthesis in Humeral Shaft Fractures

Abstract   Twelve patients with shaft fractures of the humerus were treated with percutaneous anterior plate osteosynthesis using a deltoid-pectoral respectively brachialis splitting approach without exposure of the radial nerve. The implants used were PHILOS plates, locking compression plates 3.5 and 4.5, and a tibial metaphyseal plate (all by Synthes). There were no intraoperative complications, no infections and no iatrogenic injuries of the radial or axillary nerve. Nine fractures healed entirely. There was one pseudarthrosis caused by a plate that was too short; another fracture probably healed but the distal screws broke; and one patient was lost to follow-up. Minimally invasive anterior plate osteosynthesis in humeral shaft fractures is an operative alternative which may be indicated not only in delayed healing or complex shaft fractures.     

Internal fixation of proximal humeral fractures with locking proximal humeral plate (LPHP) in elderly patients with osteoporosis

Background  Different operative techniques used for treating displaced proximal humeral fractures could result in malunion, non-union, osteonecrosis of humeral head, loosening of screw and loss of reduction particularly in comminuted and osteoporotic fractures. Locking compression plate (LPHP) has been proposed for open reduction and internal fixation of these fractures and is associated with less complication rate. Materials and methods  We prospectively assessed the functional outcome and the complications after an average follow-up of 24.9 months in 25 patients of proximal humeral fractures with osteoporosis. Mean age was 62 years. Using AO classification, 48% were type A and 52% type B. Results  Mean constant score was 80 points. According to constant score, 28% had excellent outcome, 64% had good functional outcome, and 8% had moderate outcome. When the results were related to grades of osteoporosis, grade IV osteoporotic fractures had highest average Constant–Murley score (83 points, range 78–88 points), followed by grade III osteoporotic fractures (80 points, range 71–92 points), followed by grade II osteoporotic fractures (78 points, range 66–88 points). Varus malalignment and subacromial impingement were observed in 8% patients. Loosening of implant and loss of reduction were observed in 4% patients. Superficial infection was observed in 4% patients. Conclusions  Locking compression plate (LPHP) is an advantageous implant in proximal humeral fractures due to angular stability, particularly in comminuted fractures and in osteoporotic bones in elderly patients, thus allowing early mobilization.     

切开复位内固定治疗成人陈旧性肱骨小头-滑车冠状面骨折

目的 探讨切开复位内固定治疗成人陈旧性肱骨小头-滑车冠状面骨折的临床疗效.方法 回顾分析自2011-02-2018-12采用切开复位内固定治疗的9例成人陈旧性肱骨小头-滑车冠状面骨折,观察骨折愈合时间、术后并发症情况以及末次随访时肘关节屈伸活动度.结果 9例均顺利完成手术并获得随访,随访时间12～48个月,平均14.5...     

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。     

肱骨远端关节内粉碎性骨折的内固定治疗

目的：探讨复杂的肱骨远端关节内粉碎性骨折的治疗,方法：35例肱骨远端关节内粉碎骨折,分别采用双张力带内固定29例和“Y形”钢板内固定6例,骨折按AO／ASIF分型,C1型12例,C2型14例,C3型9例,术后1周开始早期功能锻炼,结果：所有35例病人均获得随访,随访时间9－17个月,平均13个月,按Aitken和Rorabeek标准进行功能评定,结果显示,优17例,良12例,可4例,差2例,优良率82．9％,结论：双张力带法是治疗肱骨远端关节内粉碎性骨折比较好的选择,“Y”形钢板较适用于C1型骨折和简单的C2型骨折。