Coronal plane fractures of the distal humerus involving the capitellum and trochlea treated with open reduction internal fixation

Introduction

Coronal plane fractures of the distal humerus involving the capitellum and trochlea are rare. Treatments have evolved from closed reduction to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to achieve a stable joint that allows early mobilization.

Background

We determined the functional outcomes of treating coronal plane fractures of the distal humerus with ORIF.

Methods

We reviewed the records of all patients with coronal plane fractures of the distal humerus treated by ORIF. Fractures were classified according to Bryan and Morrey. Cannulated screws were used for fixation. All patients were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Score Performance Index (MEPI) and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores at least 1 year later.

Results

Of the 18 patients evaluated (12 women), the mean (SD) age was 45.3(16.5) years (range 16–70). There were seven Type-I, five Type-III, and six Type-IV fractures. Mean follow-up was 43.6 (38.1) months (range 12–120). The mean elbow range of motion in sagittal plane at last follow-up ranged from 8.9° to 132.8°. The mean MEPI score was 86.7 (15.2) points (range 60–100), corresponding to 12 excellent, 2 good, and 4 fair outcomes. The mean DASH score was 15.3 (13.5) points (range 17–35.8). Heterotrophic ossification developed in one patient with delayed fixation; 14 patients with excellent or good results returned to their previous activity levels. Functional scores did not differ by age, sex, or fracture types (P > 0.05 for all comparisons).

Conclusion

ORIF with cannulated screws, which maintain a stable anatomic articular position, provides satisfactory results in coronal plane fractures of the distal humerus.

Level of evidence

Level IV case series.     

Open reduction and bi-columnar internal fixation of intra-articular distal humerus fractures through a combined medial and lateral approach

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the suitability of bi-columnar internal fixation through a combined medial and lateral approach for the treatment of intra-articular distal humerus fractures.

Methods

Nineteen cases of intra-articular distal humerus fractures were treated with open reduction and bi-columnar internal fixation through a combined medial and lateral approach. The reduction in the articular surface and functional recovery of the affected elbows was assessed at an average follow-up of 15.8 ± 7.9 (7–43) months.

Results

The gap in the main articular fragments was less than 1 mm in 16 cases, while a gap of more than 1 mm and less than 2 mm was identified in 2 cases and of 3.7 mm in one case. All the fractures were united. At the latest follow-up, the mean flexion–extension of the elbows was 113.4° ± 20.7°, while the pronation–supination of the forearms was 158.3° ± 8.5°, and the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Index was 93.7 ± 9.1 points, leading to 13 excellent outcomes, and 6 with good results.

Conclusions

Intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus can be effectively treated by open reduction and internal fixation through a combined medial and lateral approach at the elbow.     

The role of simple elbow dislocations in cubitus valgus development in children

Purpose

We investigated the functional and radiological outcomes of conservatively treated simple traumatic elbow dislocations and subsequent incidence of cubitus valgus development in children.

Methods

Eleven patients (one female, ten male; mean age 9.8 years, range seven to 12 years) who presented to our hospital with simple elbow dislocations and were conservatively treated between July 2008 and September 2010 were included in the study. All were posterolateral closed dislocations. None of the patients had accompanying elbow fractures. All patients had pre- and postoperative radiographic examinations. The carrying angle of the involved elbow was measured and compared to the contralateral non-injured elbow during follow-up. The incidence and severity of cubitus valgus development was assessed. The functional and clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Scale. The mean monitoring period was 24.3 months (range 19–30 months).

Results

All patients had satisfactory good and excellent results (85–100 points; mean 96.8 points) according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Scale. The final average elbow flexion was 137° (range, 130–145°) and average extension was 8.6° (range 0–20°) with full supination and pronation in traumatic elbow. Four patients (36.4 %) had an average increase (cubitus valgus) of 14.5° (10–20°) in carrying angle compared to the other elbow.

Conclusions

While isolated traumatic dislocation of the elbow is uncommon among children, it can be successfully treated by urgent closed reduction, proper fixation of the elbow and appropriate timely rehabilitation. However, it should be considered that some patients may develop cubitus valgus deformity in a later period. Therefore, each patient with a simple traumatic elbow dislocation should be followed, and the parents should be informed of the potential for any deformity development.     

Reduced loosening rate and loss of correction following posterior stabilization with or without PMMA augmentation of pedicle screws in vertebral fractures in the elderly

Background

Therapy of vertebral fractures in the elderly is a growing challenge for surgeons. Within the last two decades, the use of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures has been widely established. Besides vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, the augmentation of pedicle screws with PMMA found widespread use to strengthen the implant–bone interface. Several studies showed an enhanced pullout strength of augmented screws compared to standard pedicle screws in osteoporotic bone models. To validate the clinical relevance, we analyzed postoperative radiologic follow-up data in regard to secondary loss of correction and loosening of pedicle screws in elderly patients.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective comparative study, 24 patients admitted to our level I trauma center were analyzed concerning screw loosening and secondary loss of correction following vertebral fracture and posterior instrumentation. Loss of correction was determined by the bisegmental Cobb angle and kyphosis angle of the fractured vertebra. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans were used to analyze the prevalence of clear zones around the pedicle screws as a sign of loosening.

Results

In 15 patients (mean age 76 ± 9.3 years) with 117 PMMA-augmented pedicle screws, 4.3 % of screws showed signs of loosening, whereas in nine patients (mean age 75 ± 8.2 years) with 86 uncemented screws, the loosening rate was 62.8 %. Thus, PMMA-augmented pedicle screws showed a significantly lower loosening rate compared to regular pedicle screws. Loss of correction was minimal, despite poor bone quality. There was significantly less loss of correction in patients with augmented pedicle screws (1.1° ± 0.8°) as compared to patients without augmentation (5° ± 3.8°).

Conclusion

The reinforcement of pedicle screws using PMMA augmentation may be a viable option in the surgical treatment of spinal fractures in the elderly.     

Open arthrolysis and hinged external fixation for posttraumatic ankylosed elbows

Background

An ankylosed elbow is defined as an elbow having a range of motion of 0°. Movement is extremely limited. This study retrospectively analyzes the results of arthrolysis and hinged external fixation performed on 15 patients suffering from ankylosed elbows.

Methods

Fifteen completely ankylosed elbows were treated by arthrolysis and hinged external fixation. Patients comprised nine men and six women, with a mean age of 37.93 years (37.93 ± 9.68) when arthrolysis was performed. Before surgery, the elbows were ankylosed at various angles ranging from 30° to 85°. Eleven patients underwent arthrolysis by medial and lateral approaches, three patients by the posterior approach, and one patient by posterior and lateral approaches. Hinged external fixators were applied to all patients. Subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve was performed in all patients.

Result

All patients received satisfactory follow-up. The range of motion of the elbow improved from 0° preoperatively to a postoperative mean of 115.67° (115.67 ± 23.29). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved from a mean of 67.67 ± 11.00 to 86.67 ± 8.38 points, with excellent results in nine patients, good in five, and fair in one. This difference is statistically significant (t = ?6.862; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Open arthrolysis and monolateral hinged external fixation are effective in treating posttraumatic ankylosed elbow. Arthrolysis should be performed by a combination of lateral and medial approaches. In addition, routine hinged external fixation and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve may improve the postoperative recovery of elbow stiffness.     

Type 4 capitellum fractures: Diagnosis and treatment strategies

Background:

Fractures of the capitellum are rare injuries of the elbow usually seen in the adolescents. This fracture is often missed in the emergency room if a proper radiograph is not available. Recent reports have described many modalities of treatment favoring headless screw for fixation. The facility for headless screw fixation, however, is not available in most centers. This paper presents the diagnosis and management of type 4 capituller fractures (Mckee) with gadgets available in a district hospital.

Materials and Methods:

Between 2004 and 2007 three patients with right sided type IV capetullar fracture were treated in a district hospital. There were two boys aged 15 and 17 and one 33 years old lady. In one case, the fracture was missed in the emergency room. A double arc sign in the lateral views of the X-rays of the elbow was seen in all the cases. In each case a preoperative CT scan was done and a diagnosis of Mckee type IV fracture of the capitellum was made. Under tourniquet, using extended lateral approach, open reduction and internal fixation was done using 4mm partially threaded AO cancellous screws (n=2) and 2.7 mm AO screws (n=1), under vision from posterior to anterior direction from the posterior aspect of lateral condyle of humerus avoiding articular penetration.

Results:

All the fractures united uneventfully. At the end of one year follow-up, two cases had excellent elbow function; implants were removed and there were no signs of AVN or arthritis. The third case had good elbow ROM at 11 months without AVN.

Conclusion:

Double arc sign on lateral X-rays of the elbow along with pre-operative CT scan evaluation is important to avoid a missed diagnosis and analysis of type IV capitellur fracture. Fixation with non-cannulated ordinary AO screws using extended Kocher''s lateral approach has given good results.     

Arthrolysis combined with reconstruction for treatment of terrible triad injury with a poor outcome after surgical as well as conservative intervention

Introduction

The treatment of terrible triad injury with a poor outcome after intervention has not been successful thus far. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of arthrolysis and reconstruction in the treatment of terrible triad injury with a poor outcome after surgical as well as conservative intervention.

Materials and methods

Twelve patients (12 elbows) with the diagnosis of terrible triad injury were respectively reviewed. All the 12 patients had elbow dysfunction after conservative and surgical treatment of the terrible triad injury. Preoperatively, the flexion arc and forearm rotation were 36.7° ± 28.5° and 51.3° ± 43.4°, respectively, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 56.3 points. The mean interval between the primary injury and our surgical treatment was 6.6 months. Our surgical intervention included elbow arthrolysis, ulnar nerve transposition, radial head replacement, coronoid process and ligament repair, and hinged external fixation. Patients were encouraged to participate in rehabilitation training 24 h after surgery.

Results

The mean follow-up duration was 20.1 months; the flexion arc and forearm rotation were 122° ± 18° and 140° ± 20°, respectively, and the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 94.6 points (9 excellent, 3 good). Concentric stability was restored in all elbows. Complications included superficial pin tract infection (1), heterotopic ossification (3), and ulnar nerve palsy (1); the ulnar nerve symptoms had improved at the last follow-up.

Conclusions

The combination of open arthrolysis and reconstruction performed at a mean interval of 6-month posttrauma can restore functional mobility in cases of terrible triad injury with a poor outcome after surgical as well as conservative intervention. Thus, it may be an effective alternative for the treatment of the poor outcome terrible triad injury. We recommend early functional rehabilitation with adherence to the guidelines for hinged external fixation.     

Primärer endoprothetischer Ellbogengelenkersatz bei komplexen intraartikulären distalen Humerusfrakturen

Introduction

Open reduction and internal fixation of multifragmentary intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus often do not provide satisfactory results in elderly patients with osteoporosis.

Method

From December 2001 to January 2008 a total elbow arthroplasty (Coonrad-Morrey, Zimmer, USA) was performed on 12 patients (average age 81±9  ears) who presented with a type C distal humeral fracture. The mean time of follow-up with clinical and radiological assessment was 28±17 months.

Results

The Mayo score showed a good functional result with an average of 81±9 out of 100. DASH and SECEC scores showed a fair result with respect to elbow function (43±8 and 68±7 points, respectively). The average range of motion of all patients was 120-33-0°. Heterotopic ossifications were found by X-ray examination in 4 cases and asymptomatic radiolucent lines in 4 cases.

Conclusion

Primary total elbow arthroplasty for complex intra-articular distal humerus fractures in elderly patients has good functional results and is an alternative to osteosynthesis.     

Choice of surgical approach for capitellar fractures based on pathoanatomy of fractures: outcomes of surgical management

The understanding of the anatomic configuration of the fractures of the capitellum has enhanced in the last few years, and the classification of these fractures continues to evolve. It is essential to tailor the surgical approaches to these fractures based on the state-of-the-art classifications. Thirty-three patients with fractures of the capitellum were included in this retrospective study. The mean age of the patients was 37.9 years, and the mean follow-up period was 24.6 months. Seventeen patients had Bryan–Morrey type I fracture, three had type II fracture, two had type III fracture and eleven had type IV fracture. Of the 11 patients with Bryan–Morrey type 4 fracture, 5 patients belonged to Dubberley 2A and 3A category and 6 patients belonged to Dubberley 2B and 3B category. Bryan–Morrey type 1, 2 and 3 fractures were approached via extended lateral approach. Bryan–Morrey type 4 was further classified using the Dubberley classification. Dubberley 2A and 3A fractures were approached via the anterolateral approach, and Dubberley 2B and 3B fractures were approached via the posterior transolecranon approach. Fracture united in all patients. Three patients showed slight delay in union, but union was achieved eventually. Two patients had avascular necrosis of the capitellar fragment. The mean range of flexion/extension was 133° (SD ± 8.0°), and pronation/supination was 151° (SD ± 6.7°). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Index at final follow-up was 80.9 (SD ± 13.9). Based on the MEPI score, 14 patients had excellent, 10 patients had good, 6 patients had fair and 3 patients had poor results (Dubberley type 3B fractures). Correct choice of surgical approach facilitates the accuracy of reduction and fixation of these difficult fractures. It also helps to minimize the requirement of two-incision approach. Anterolateral approach is an excellent approach for Dubberley 2A and 3A fractures. Level of evidence: Level IV.     

Surgical treatment of Monteggia variant fracture dislocations of the elbow in adults: surgical technique and clinical outcomes

Purpose

Monteggia variant defined as Monteggia fracture dislocation with radial head or neck fracture, coronoid fracture, ulnohumeral joint dislocation or combination of these injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of surgical treatment of Monteggia variant fracture dislocations with focus on the operative technique and management of associated radial head fractures.

Methods

Between January 2008 and January 2014, 22 patients (7 men, 15 women) with a mean age of 58.9 years (45–77 years) and unilateral Monteggia variant were included. The mean follow-up was 4.1 years (2.2–6.6 years). Patients underwent clinical and functional assessment using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index and the Oxford Elbow Score.

Results

Eighteen patients had radial head fractures; in five patients the fracture fragment involved less than one-third of the radial head and the fragment was excised, in four patients the radial head fracture was fixed with headless screws and in nine patients the radial head was replaced. At review the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Index was 76.6 (20–100) and the Oxford Elbow Score 35 (4–48).

Conclusions

Our experience suggests that satisfactory outcomes can be obtained in the treatment of the complex Monteggia variant fracture dislocations by recognising the injury pattern and addressing all components of the injury in order to achieve elbow stability.

     

Klinische und radiologische Ergebnisse nach bipolarer Radiuskopfprothese

Background

Radial head arthroplasty is considered to be the treatment of choice in non-reconstructable radial head fractures in the acute fracture situation. Despite the promising short-term results in the current literature, replacement of the radial head remains controversially discussed as long-term results are still missing. In our study, we report our 7.8-year results after treatment with the bipolar radial head prosthesis of Judet.

Materials and methods

Between 1997 and 2004, 34 patients were treated with Judet??s bipolar radial head prosthesis in our department. After a mean of 94 months (range 15?C139), 28 of these 34 patients could be re-examined. While 20 patients were treated with radial head arthroplasty primarily in a fracture situation, 7 patients were treated secondarily after failure of fixation. One patient was treated for a tumor of the proximal radius.

Results

According to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, 16 patients achieved an excellent, 10 patients a good, 1 patient a fair, and 1 patient a poor result. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) score was 12.0 (range 0?C50.1). There was no distinct difference between primary and secondary implantation in terms of the clinical outcome. The elbow flexion averaged 125° (range 100?C150°); the mean extension deficit was 20° (range 0?C60°). The mean pronation was 66° (range 0?C90°) with a mean supination of 67° (range 0?C90°). The most common complications were osteoarthritis of the ulnohumeral joint (n=18) and degenerative changes of the humeral capitellum with erosions (n=12). Finally, 3 patients suffered a dislocation after the surgical intervention, 1 patient had an infection, and 1 patient developed a radioulnar synostosis.

Conclusion

Despite major primary complications and the high incidence of radiographic signs of degenerative changes, mainly good clinical results were achieved after 7.8 years with Judet??s bipolar prosthesis.     

Treatment of periprosthetic tibial plateau fractures in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: plates versus cannulated screws

Introduction

Periprosthetic tibial plateau fractures (TPF) are rare but represent a serious complication in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. The most common treatment for these fractures is osteosynthesis with cannulated screws or plates. The aim of this study was to evaluate two different treatment options for periprosthetic fractures. The hypothesis was that angle-stable plates show significantly higher fracture loads than fixation with cannulated screws.

Materials and methods

Twelve matched, paired fresh-frozen tibiae with periprosthetic TPF were used for this study. In Group A, osteosyntheses with cannulated screws were performed, whereas in Group B plates fixated the periprosthetic fracture. DEXA bone density measurement and standard X-rays (AP and lateral) were performed before loading the tibiae under standardised conditions with a maximum load of up to 10.0 kN. After the specimens had been loaded, fracture patterns and fracture loads were analysed and correlated with BMD, BMI, bodyweight (BW), age and size of the tibial implant.

Results

In the plate group all tibiae fracture occured with a median load of F _max = 2.64 (0.45–5.68) kN, whereas in the group with cannulated screws fractures occurred at a mean load of F _max = 1.50 (0.27–3.51) kN. The difference was statistically significant at p < 0.05.

Discussion

Angle-stable plates showed significantly higher fracture loads than fixation with cannulated screws. Cannulated screws show a reduced stability of the tibial plateau. Therefore in periprosthetic TPF, osteosyntheses with angle-stable plates should be recommended instead of cannulated screws.     

Revision rates and cumulative financial burden in patients treated with hemiarthroplasty compared to cannulated screws after femoral neck fractures

Introduction

This study compares re-operation rates and financial burden following the treatment of femoral neck fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty compared to non-displaced femoral neck fractures treated with cannulated screws.

Methods

Data was retrospectively analyzed from a prospective database at a university hospital setting on patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fractures and those with non-displaced femoral neck fractures treated with cannulated screws over a 7-year period. Re-operation rates were determined and financial data was analyzed. Charges refer to amounts billed by the hospital to insurance carriers, while costs refer to financial burden carried by the hospital during treatment.

Results

There were 491 femoral neck fractures (475 patients) that underwent hemiarthroplasty (HA) and 120 non-displaced fractures (119 patients) treated with cannulated screw (CannS) fixation. Both groups had similar age, sex, Charlson co-morbidity scores, pre-operative Parker mobility scores, and 12-month mortality. There were 29 (5.9 %) reoperations in the HA group and 16 (13.3 %) in the CannS group (P = 0.007). The majority of re-operations occurred within 12 months for both groups [21/29 (72 %) HA group; 15/16 (94 %) CannS group; P = 0.13]. Average hospital charges per patient for the index procedure were higher in the HA group ($17,880 ± 745) compared to the CannS group ($14,104 ± 5,047; P < 0.001). After accounting for additional procedures related to their initial surgical fixation, average hospital charges and costs remained higher in the HA group.

Conclusion

Patients treated with hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures have lower re-operation rates than patients treated with cannulated screws for non-displaced femoral neck fractures, with 80 % of re-operations occurring in the first 12 months. Hospital charges and costs to the hospital for treating patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty were higher than patients treated with cannulated screws for the index procedure alone, and after accounting for re-operations.     

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for humeral shaft fracture: a reproducible technique with the assistance of an external fixator

Background

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) has become a popular option for treatment of humeral shaft fractures. However, indirect reduction might risk unpromising results, with mal-alignment/mal-union or nonunion. The purpose of this study was to describe a reproducible MIPO technique that used an external fixator during the procedure as a tool for reduction and maintenance, and to assess the outcomes in patients with humeral shaft fracture.

Methods

Of 31 consecutive cases of humeral shaft fracture in 30 patients, 29 were included in this study. There were seven simple (type A) and 22 comminuted (type B or C) fractures. After the insertion of one Schanz pin on each proximal and distal humerus, a provisional reduction was achieved by connecting the pins with a monolateral external fixator. The MIPO procedure was then performed over the anterior aspect of the humerus. To evaluate the efficacy of the provisional reduction by external fixator, coronal and sagittal alignments were assessed. We also assessed bony and functional results, including complications, from this technique.

Results

There was no case of mal-union >10°, and mean angulation was 1.3° (range 0°–9°) in the coronal plane and 1.2° (range 0°–8°) in the sagittal plane. Twenty-eight of 29 fractures were united, including three delayed unions, with a mean union time of 19.1 weeks (range 12.3–38.4 weeks) and a mean follow-up of 20.8 months (range 13.5–31.0 months). There was one hypertrophic nonunion that healed after fixing with two additional screws. Except one patient with associated injury in the elbow, all patients recovered to pre-injury joint motion. There were two cases of postoperative radial nerve palsy that both recovered completely. We attributed them to manipulation, and not to the Schanz pins or plate fixation.

Conclusions

Surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures with external fixator-assisted reduction and MIPO resulted in excellent reductions and high union rates.

Level of Evidence

IV     

LUCL-Bandplastik mit Trizepssehnentransplantat zur Therapie der posterolateralen Rotationsinstabilität am Ellenbogen

Objective

Re-establishment of radial stability within the elbow joint in cases of arthroscopically or clinically confirmed posterolateral rotatory instability.

Indications

Posttraumatic or chronic degenerative posterolateral rotatory instability at least grade I–II according to O’Driscoll.

Contraindications

Elbow stiffness or elbow arthritis and lateral epicondylitis, if a posterolateral rotatory instability has been excluded as the reason for the symptoms.

Surgical technique

Reconstruction or augmentation of the insufficient lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) with an autologous triceps tendon graft. A stripe of the triceps tendon is fixed at the epicondylus humeri radialis and at the base of the annular ligament at the proximal radial ulna with tenodesis screws or buttons, then the extensor origins, which were detached before are fixated as well.

Postoperative management

Postoperative treatment with an elbow orthesis for 6 weeks, in the first 4 weeks limitation of complete extension and flexion, full weight bearing after 3 months.

Results

Retrospective analysis of 47 LUCL reconstructions from 2008–2010 with good results concerning pain reduction and acceptance, improvement of the Mayo Elbow Performance Score from 49 to 82, low complication rate with one elbow stiffness, one temporary ulnar nerve lesion, and one recurrent instability.     

Delayed ORIF of proximal humerus fractures at a minimum of 3 weeks from injury: a functional outcome study

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical results of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in proximal humerus fractures with delayed presentation.

Design

Retrospective comparative study.

Setting

Level III.

Methods

From June 2005 to June 2010, thirty-nine (39) proximal humerus fractures were treated with ORIF after a delay of 21–120 days from the initial injury. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) isolated 2-part greater tuberosity fractures; (2) part surgical neck fractures; and (3) 3- and 4-part complex fractures. The range of motion (ROM), visual analogue scale (VAS), Constant–Murley score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scoring system score and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score were all recorded. The results were analyzed with the use of the Mann–Whitney U test and stratified by age, gender, side of injury, interval from injury to surgery, and postoperative functional results. Additionally, the results of different fracture types and complications were compared across the three groups.

Results

The mean forward flexion was 143.8° ± 28.9°, external rotation was 33.2° ± 19.6°, and internal rotation was up to the T10 level. The mean VAS was 0.8 ± 1.2; the mean Constant score was 82.0 ± 15.0; the UCLA score was 27.2 ± 7.1; and the mean SST was 9.5 ± 2.0 at the last follow-up. There were no significant differences among the three groups except in internal rotation. Compared to those without any complications, patients with complications demonstrated worse ROM and a lower functional score (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Delayed treatment of proximal humerus fractures is a challenging problem. With appropriate surgical technique, satisfactory results can be expected with respect to different fracture types, and complications may be avoided regardless of delay.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic Level IV.     

AO extra-articular distal humerus locking plate: extended spectrum of usage in intra-articular distal fractures with metaphyseal extension—our experience with 20 cases

Background

LCP extra-articular plate designed by AO has been used in extra-articular fractures of the distal humerus, mal-unions, and nonunions of the distal humerus. They provide anatomically shaped and angular stable fixation system for extra-articular fractures of the distal humerus. We extended the usage spectrum of this plate to the extra-articular with intra-articular distal humerus fractures and compared it with the standard orthogonal locking plate fixation.

Methods

We included 22 consecutive distal humerus intra-articular fractures with metaphyseal and diaphyseal extension into the study. Each case underwent osteosynthesis with LCP extra-articular plate fixation and augmented the intra-articular fragments with 4.0 mm partially threaded cancellous screws. The cost, surgical time, VAS, Modified Mayo Clinic Performance Index for elbow, and postoperative complications were recorded. The radiological union and postoperative elbow range of motion were assessed at 6 weeks, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. Twenty cases completed the scheduled follow-up. The results were compared with retrospective data of 20 cases from our institute where similar fractures were treated with standard orthogonal LCP distal humerus plate (LCPDHP).

Results

The radiological union rates and the range of motion at 6 weeks, 6, and 12 months in both the groups were comparable and did not vary significantly (p > 0.05). The cost and operative time with the LCP extra-articular plates were significantly less (p < 0.05) when compared to the group LCPDHP.

Conclusion

The usage spectrum of extra-articular distal humerus locking plate can be extended to intra-articular fractures. It provides good results and significantly reduces the cost and operative time.