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.