两种手术入路治疗肱骨髁间骨折疗效分析

目的评价尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路与肱三头肌舌形瓣入路治疗肱骨髁间骨折手术疗效。方法手术治疗56例肱骨髁间骨折,行尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路32例,肱三头肌舌形瓣入路24例。结果对于AO/ASIF分型C1C2型肱骨髁间骨折,尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路比肱三头肌舌形瓣入路手术时间长,但骨折暴露充分。对于C3型骨折,两种入路手术时间相近,前者肘关节功能评分比后者显著较高。结论尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路治疗肱骨髁间骨折暴露充分,术后肘关节功能优于肱三头肌舌形瓣入路。     

三种手术入路内固定治疗肱骨髁间骨折效果分析

目的分析三种手术入路内固定治疗肱骨髁间骨折疗效。方法对50例肱骨髁间骨折患者分别采用肱三头肌舌形瓣、肱三头肌劈开和尺骨鹰嘴截骨三种手术入路治疗。结果三种手术入路优良率分别为67%、56%和91%。结论三种手术入路各有优缺点,肱三头肌劈开适合C1型,经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路适合C2和C3型肱骨髁间骨折,肱三头肌舌形瓣入路远端显露有限,不利于早期功能锻炼,效果相对较差。     

经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路与肱三头肌舌形瓣入路治疗肱骨髁间C型骨折疗效对比

目的探讨经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路与肱三头肌舌形瓣入路治疗肱骨髁间C型骨折的疗效。方法回顾性分析2005年1月~2012年1月采用尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路与肱三头肌舌形瓣入路治疗51例肱骨髁间C型骨折的临床结果。结果 51例随访8~42个月,两种入路术后肘关节功能比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论经尺骨鹰嘴入路与肱三头肌舌形瓣入路治疗肱骨髁间C型骨折疗效无显著性差异,骨折类型是影响术后肘关节功能最重要因素,选择合适的手术入路要依骨折类型而定。     

肱骨髁“C”型骨折尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路与肱三头肌舌形瓣入路固定疗效分析

[目的]对尺骨鹰嘴入路与肱三头肌舌形瓣入路固定治疗肱骨髁间“C”型骨折的临床效果进行对比分析.[方法]51例肱骨髁间C型骨折患者,22例采用尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路,29例采用肘后肱三头肌舌形瓣入路,均采用重建钢板内固定.术后行功能锻炼.[结果]51例均获随访,时间8 ～ 42个月(18±3.4)个月.根据改良的Cassebaum评分系统评定肘关节功能.尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路组:优16例,良4例,可1例,差1例,优良率90.9％(20/22);肘后肱三头肌舌形瓣入路组:优15例,良5例,可2例,差1例,优良率89.7％ (26/29).两组优良率比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).[结论]尺骨鹰嘴入路与肱三头肌舌形瓣入路内固定治疗肱骨髁间C型骨折,2种入路疗效相当,骨折类型是影响术后肘关节功能最重要因素,选择合适手术入路要依患者骨折类型而定.     

老年肱骨远端骨折不同手术入路疗效评价

目的评价经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路与肱三头肌舌形瓣入路治疗老年肱骨远端骨折的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析本院2010年1月至2018年3月收治的60岁以上获随访患者58例,患者均为AO分型中的C型骨折,根据不同手术入路,分成A组(肱三头肌舌形瓣组)20例及B组(经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路)38例,评价两组术后骨折愈合及并发症方面差异,并采用Mayo肘关节功能评分系统评价组间患者临床疗效。结果 58例患者随访时间8～48个月,平均(21.6±11.9)个月。骨折愈合方面,两组间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);B组并发症发生率明显低于A组;Mayo肘关节功能评分优良率比较,B组高于A组,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论两种入路均可促进骨折愈合,改善老年人生活质量,经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路组术后能早期进行肘关节功能锻炼,肘关节功能评分优于肱三头肌舌形瓣入路组,经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路对于老年C型肱骨远端骨折是一种安全有效的治疗方法。     

手术治疗31例肱骨远端C型骨折

目的探讨肱骨远端C型骨折的手术方法及疗效。方法手术治疗肱骨远端C型骨折31例:肱三头肌舌形瓣入路12例,尺骨鹰嘴V形截骨入路19例;采用双钢板内固定18例,钢板加张力带内固定13例。结果患者均获得随访,时间6~18个月。按Aitken和Rorabeek标准进行功能评定:优9例,良12例,可6例,差4例。尺骨鹰嘴V形截骨人路组功能评定优于肱三头肌舌形瓣入路组(P0.05);双钢板内固定功能评定与钢板加张力带内固定差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论尺骨鹰嘴V形截骨入路暴露充分,可以早期功能锻炼,利于截骨部骨折的愈合及肘关节功能恢复。两种内固定功能评定无明显差异,应根据骨折类型选用不同的内固定方法。     

3种手术入路在肱骨髁上、髁间粉碎性骨折手术治疗中的应用体会

目的分别采用肘关节后正中倒舌型瓣切开肱三头肌腱膜入路、肱三头肌内外侧联合入路、尺骨鹰嘴V形截骨入路,显露肱骨远端髁上、髁间骨折部位,探讨肱骨远端不同类型骨折的最佳手术入路。方法本组20例,根据术者习惯和手术入路的不断改进,采用肘后正中肱三头肌倒舌型瓣入路8例、肱三头肌内外侧联合入路6例、尺骨鹰嘴V形截骨入路6例,均安放内外侧锁定钢板固定骨折部位。结果 C1型骨折可采用肘后正中肱三头肌倒舌型瓣或肱三头肌内外侧联合入路;C2、C3型骨折应尽量采取尺骨鹰嘴V形截骨入路,可充分显露骨折部位及髁间关节面,复位精确,固定确切可靠,手术时间短,出血少,可早期功能锻炼,术后关节功能恢复良好,无术后肘关节不稳及半脱位发生。结论尺骨鹰嘴V形截骨入路是C2、C3型骨折的理想入路。     

尺骨鹰嘴截骨与肱三头肌舌形瓣入路固定治疗肱骨髁间C型骨折

目的比较不同手术入路(尺骨鹰嘴入路与肱三头肌舌形瓣入路)内固定治疗肱骨髁间C型骨折的临床效果。方法 42例成人肱骨髁间C型骨折患者,20例采用尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路,22例采用肘后肱三头肌形瓣入路,均采用重建钢板内固定。术后行功能锻炼。结果 42例均获随访,时间8～48(29±3.5)个月。根据改良的Cassebaum评分系统评定肘关节功能。尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路组:优14例,良4例,可1例,差1例,优良率90%(18/20);肘后肱三头肌舌形瓣入路组:优15例,良5例,可2例,优良率90.9%(20/22)。两组优良率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论尺骨鹰嘴入路与肱三头肌舌形瓣入路内固定治疗成人肱骨髁间粉碎性骨折配合早期主、被动功能锻炼,多数患者能获得良好的治疗效果。     

经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路与肱三头肌两侧入路内固定治疗AO-C型肱骨远端骨折的疗效比较

目的比较经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路与肱三头肌两侧入路内固定治疗AO-C型肱骨远端骨折的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2014-04—2017-06诊治的80例AO-C型肱骨远端骨折,40例采用经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路钢板内固定(A组),40例采用肱三头肌两侧入路钢板内固定(B组)。比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、术后并发症发生率及术后12个月肘关节功能Mayo评分。结果 80例均获得随访,随访时间12个月。A组与B组并发症发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。A组手术时间较B组短,术中出血量较B组少,末次随访时肘关节功能Mayo评分优于B组,差异有统计学意义(P 0.05)。结论与肱三头肌两侧入路相比,经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路钢板内固定治疗AO-C型肱骨远端骨折手术时间更短、术中出血量更少,患者在术后肘关节功能恢复方面更具有优势。     

经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路与肱三头肌舌状瓣入路治疗肱骨髁间骨折的对比研究

目的对比经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路与经肱三头肌舌状瓣入路治疗肱骨髁间骨折的临床效果。方法 2002年5月至2009年2月,手术切开复位内固定治疗62例肱骨髁间骨折患者。其中33例采用尺骨鹰嘴入路。按Riseborough-Radin分型,Ⅲ型18例,Ⅳ型15例。29例采用肱三头肌舌状瓣入路。左侧16例,右侧13例。按Riseborough-Radin分型,Ⅲ型18例,Ⅳ型11例。比较两组手术时间、出血量、术后并发症及愈合时间等,用Mayo评分来评价术后肘关节功能的改善程度。结果术后随访12～36个月,平均16.7个月。所有患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合。手术时间、出血量及愈合时间两组比较差异无统计学意义。术后尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路组肘部疼痛发生率低于肱三头肌舌状瓣入路组,肘关节活动度。采用尺骨鹰嘴入路组（优良率为87.88%）优于采用肱三头肌舌状瓣入路组（优良率为65.51%）。结论采用尺骨鹰嘴入路组的术后并发症的发生率少于采用肱三头肌舌状瓣入路组,术后肘关节活动度的满意率高于采用肱三头肌舌状瓣入路组采用肱三头肌舌状瓣入路组。     

Extensor mechanism-sparing paratricipital posterior approach to the distal humerus

Adequate exposure of the articular surface of the distal humerus and elbow joint is required for operative stabilization of bicolumnar distal humerus fractures. The transolecranon approach, which provides complete posterior visualization and access to the distal humerus, is commonly used. Nevertheless, an olecranon osteotomy and other extensor mechanism-disrupting approaches have risks and possible complications. Alternative exposures have been described primarily for total elbow arthroplasty, but these involve extensive and potentially devascularizing dissections. In extra-articular (OTA type A) and simple articular distal humeral fractures with simple or multifragmentary metaphyseal involvement (OTA type C1 and C2), extensile approaches may not be necessary. For these fracture patterns, an alternative exposure is the extensor mechanism-sparing paratricipital posterior approach to the distal humerus through a midline posterior incision. This approach avoids an osteotomy and mobilizes the triceps and anconeus muscle off the posterior humerus and the intermuscular septae and provides adequate exposure for open reduction and internal fixation.     

Paratricipital-triceps splitting "two-window" approach for distal humerus fractures

Commonly, distal transcondylar and intra-articular distal humerus fractures are treated through a transolecranon approach. Other options for exposure, open reduction, and internal fixation exist to prevent the reported complications of olecranon osteotomy. The technique of triceps sparing access, as it has been reported before by others, allow adequate exposure in most of distal humerus fractures except for multifragmentary, mainly intra-articular types. We demonstrate the technique of the "two-window" approach, which combines a paratricipital posteromedial access with splitting the triceps lateral to the triceps tendon. Through a posteromedial incision, all surfaces of the distal humerus were accessed without muscle detachment from the olecranon. This approach does not compromise the ligamentous joint stability. In addition, the stabilizing effect of the anconeus muscle is not impaired because continuity with the lateral portion of the triceps is preserved, and denervation is avoided. It is extensile and provides adequate exposure of articular fracture comminution with the added advantage of the intact olecranon as a template for reduction. However, because the triceps is still in continuity it permits conversion to a transolecranon approach as necessary. The two-window approach is our preferred approach for all distal humerus fractures inclusively C3 fractures according to the ASIF/AO classification, except for complex volar shear fractures.     

平行双接骨板内固定治疗老年肱骨远端粉碎性骨折

目的 探讨平行双接骨板固定技术治疗老年肱骨远端粉碎性骨折的疗效.方法 2007年1月至2008年9月,采用切开复位平行双接骨板内固定治疗老年肱骨远端粉碎性骨折22例,男6例,女16例;年龄60～81岁,平均70.2岁;开放性损伤3例(均为Gustilo Ⅰ型),闭合性损伤19例.骨折按照AO分型:C1型5例,C2型10例,C3型7例.手术采用肘后正中切口,经尺骨鹰嘴"V"形截骨入路(8例)和肱三头肌"舌"形瓣入路(14例)显露肱骨远端关节面,术后3 d开始保护性功能锻炼.结果本组患者获得13～35个月(平均18个月)随访,均获骨性愈合.肘关节平均伸16°(0～50°),屈125°(95°～140°),旋前65°(40°～90°),旋后67°(40°～90°).Mayo肘关节功能评分平均87.2分(55～100分),其中优11例,良8例,可2例,差1例,优良率为86.4%.术后并发症:2例出现暂时性尺神经麻痹,2例发生异位骨化,1例出现骨折愈合延迟并最终导致肘关节僵硬,3例有创伤性关节炎表现,2例发生轻度肘关节内翻畸形.结论 切开复位平行双接骨板内固定治疗老年肱骨远端粉碎性骨折在骨折愈合、早期活动及功能恢复方面取得满意疗效,但应认识到老年肱骨远端粉碎性骨折本身的复杂性对患者术后疗效的影响.     

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.     

Paratricipital two window approach for complex intraarticular distal humerus fractures: A prospective analysis of 27 patients

Background: To investigate the utility and complications of paratricipital 2 window approach for complex intra articular distal humerus fractures (AO/OTA type C). Methods: Between December 2012 and September 2016 , 27 patients (male-14, female-13) having mean age of 39 years (range, 22e62 years) with closed intra articular fracture (AO/OTA 13 type C) were surgically managed using paratricipital 2 window approach. Fractures were fixed as per AO principles. All patients were followed up for 21 months (range, 12e28 months) prospectively. Functional outcome was measured using Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and complications were observed. Student ttest, Pearson co-relation coefficient and Kruskal Wallis test used for statistical evaluation. Result: All cases unite by the end of 3 months. Mean flexion achieved was 120 and extension lag was 10 . Mean arc of motion was 111 . Mean pronation and supination was 70 and 77 respectively. MEPS and motion arc were weak negatively co- related with surgical delay and advancement in age. Postoperative transient ulnar nerve palsy and heterotrophic ossification (HO) was noted in 3.7% cases and infection occurred in 7.4% cases. Hardware prominence noted in 11.1% cases. Mean MEPS was 82. MEPS was excellent in 18.5%, good in 62.9%, fair in 11.1% and poor in 7.4% cases. Conclusion: Paratricipital 2 window approach for these fractures had good functional outcome with fewer complications. We advocate paratricipital 2 window approach when dealing with these complex fractures particularly, in type C1 and type C2.     

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.     

尺骨鹰嘴V形截骨双钢板、张力带固定治疗肱骨远端C型骨折

目的探讨尺骨鹰嘴V形截骨双钢板、张力带固定治疗肱骨远端C型骨折的手术方法及疗效。方法14例肱骨远端C型骨折患者均采用尺骨鹰嘴V形截骨的方法显露,双钢板固定骨折,尺骨鹰嘴截骨复位后张力带固定。结果14例均获随访,时间4～15个月。骨折全部骨性愈合,时间9～14周。13例肘关节活动度96°～142°（105°±2°）,1例C3型骨折粉碎严重,术后肘关节活动度仅15°;1例术后发生尺神经麻痹,对症治疗后好转。无深部感染、钢板螺钉松动断裂的发生。参照Cassebaum标准：优6例,良5例,可2例,差1例。结论尺骨鹰嘴V形截骨双钢板、张力带固定治疗肱骨远端C型骨折显露充分,固定坚强可靠,结合早期功能锻炼,可获得良好的关节功能,是一种较为理想的治疗方法。     

肱骨远端C型骨折手术治疗的研究进展

肱骨远端C型骨折是一少见而又复杂的关节内损伤,非手术治疗难以准确复位骨折和重建关节面,切开复位内固定则是目前最理想的治疗选择。尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路可以提供充足的术野显露,是最常用的手术入路,但存在截骨处不愈合、内固定失败等并发症。为避免牺牲鹰嘴的完整性,肱三头肌内外侧入路、肱三头肌翻转入路、肱三头肌-肘肌瓣翻转入路、肱三头肌劈开入路及肱三头肌腱膜舌形瓣入路等则应用到骨折的显露中,但不同入路的局限性,使得入路选择在术野暴露与伸肘功能受影响之间存在一定矛盾性。随着"双柱"理论的推广,双钢板固定C型骨折比单钢板具有显著力学优势。在体外生物力学试验中,即便平行双钢板较垂直双钢板更有优势,但目前尚不清楚两者在临床运用中是否存在差异。对于关节面无法重建的C型骨折,肘关节置换术可能是最终的选择,由于技术水平限制,其长期疗效还有待观察。     

肱骨髁间粉碎性骨折的治疗

[目的]探讨肱骨髁间粉碎性骨折的术式选择及疗效。[方法]2001年2月-2005年12月治疗肱骨髁间粉碎性骨折患者21例，按AO分型：C1型5例，C2型9例，C3型7例。17例患者行切开复位钢板内固定术，4例行全肘关节置换术。内固定组采用尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路，肱骨小头和肱骨滑车复位后用松质骨螺钉或空心螺钉固定，肱骨干和肱骨远端之间采用AO双钢板或“Y”钢板固定，术后早期功能锻炼；肘关节置换组采用半限制型肘关节假体、骨水泥固定，术后4-7d开始功能锻炼。[结果]内固定组17例患者中14例获12-44个月随访，关节置换组4例全部获14，36个月随访，按Cassebaum肘关节功能评分，内固定组优g4例，良：6例，优良率71．4％，关节置换组优：2例，良：2例，优良率100％。[结论]肱骨髁间粉碎性骨折采用AO技术，经尺骨鹰嘴截骨入路切开复位，双重建钢板或“Y”钢板内固定，配合早期功能锻炼，大多数患者都能获得良好的疗效。对肱骨远端严重毁损，骨质疏松明显，年龄在50岁以上的患者，可选择全肘关节置换手术，近期疗效满意。     

Comparison of outcomes after triceps split versus sparing surgery for extra-articular distal humerus fractures

Objectives

To compare elbow range of motion (ROM), triceps extension strength, and functional outcome of AO/OTA type A distal humerus fractures treated with a triceps-split or -sparing approach.

Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Two level one trauma centres.

Patients

Sixty adult distal humerus fractures (AO/OTA 13A2, 13A3) presenting between 2008 and 2012 were reviewed. Exclusion criteria removed 18 total patients from analysis and three patients died before final follow-up.

Intervention

Patients were divided into two surgical approach groups chosen by the treating surgeon: triceps split (16 patients) or triceps sparing (23 patients).

Main outcome measurements

Elbow ROM and triceps extension strength testing were completed in patients after fractures had healed. All patients were also given the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.

Results

Compared to the triceps-split cohort, the triceps-sparing cohort had greater elbow flexion (sparing 143 ± 7° compared to split 130 ± 12°, p = 0.03) and less extension contracture (sparing 6 ± 8° compared to split 23 ± 4°, p < 0.0001). Triceps strength compared to the uninjured arm also favoured the triceps-sparing cohort (sparing 88.9 ± 28.3% compared to split 49.4 ± 17.0%, p = 0.007). DASH scores were not statistically significant between the two cohorts (sparing 14.5 ± 12.2 compared to split 23.6 ± 22.3, p = 0.333).

Conclusions

A triceps-sparing approach for surgical treatment of extra-articular distal humerus fractures can result in better elbow ROM and triceps strength than a triceps-splitting approach. Both approaches, however, result in reliable union and similar functional outcome.

Level of evidence

Level III.