Title: Functional Outcome of Intra-Articular Fractures of the Distal Humerus Treated with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with Distal Humeral Locking Plates and Screws
Authors: Dr Vikaas Ethanur Thuppale, Dr Madan Mohan
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i8.201
Abstract
We have assessed the functional outcome in patients who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with anatomical locking plates and screws for intra-articular fractures of the distal Humerus. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire on personal information and data pertaining to injury and followed up at intervals of 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. The Mayo Elbow performance Score (MEPS) was used to assess the functional outcome. At the end of 6 months, none had poor functional outcomes, 3.4% (1 patient) had a fair functional outcome, 34.5% (10 patients) had good outcomes and 62.1% (18 patients) had excellent functional outcomes. The final outcomes of our study indicated that anatomical locking plate fixation is a good option in the management of intra-articular distal Humerus fractures.
Keywords: Distal Humerus, intra-articular fracture, Mayo elbow performance score, functional outcome.
References
- Morrey BF, An KN. The elbow and its Disorders: Functional evaluation of the elbow. 3rd edition. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 2000. p 82.
- Miller WE. Comminuted fractures of the distal end of the humerus in the adult. J Bone Joint Surg [Am]. 1964;46-A:644–657.
- Jupiter JB, Neff U, Holzach P, Allgöwer M. Intercondylar fractures of the humerus. An operative approach. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1985 Feb;67(2):226–39.
- Helfet DL, Hotchkiss RN. Internal fixation of the distal humerus: a biomechanical comparison of methods. J Orthop Trauma. 1990;4(3):260–4.
- Jacobson SR, Glisson RR, Urbaniak JR. Comparison of distal humerus fracture fixation: a biomechanical study. J South Orthop Assoc. 1997;6:241–249.
- O’Driscoll SW, Sanchez-Sotelo J, Torchia ME. Management of the smashed distal humerus. OrthopClin North Am. 2002;33:19–33.
- Korner J, Lill H, Müller LP, Hessmann M, Kopf K, Goldhahn J, et al. Distal humerus fractures in elderly patients: results after open reduction and internal fixation. Osteoporos Int. 2005 Mar;16Suppl 2:S73-79.
- Schwartz A, Oka R, Odell T, Mahar A. Biomechanical comparison of two different periarticular plating systems for stabilization of complex distal humerus fractures. ClinBiomech. 2006;21:950–955.
- McKee MD, Veillette CJH, Hall JA, Schemitsch EH, Wild LM, McCormack R, et al. A multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled trial of open reduction--internal fixation versus total elbow arthroplasty for displaced intra-articular distal humeral fractures in elderly patients. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2009 Feb;18(1):3–12.
- Huang JI, Paczas M, Hoyen HA, Vallier HA. Functional outcome after open reduction internal fixation of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus in the elderly. J Orthop Trauma. 2011 May;25(5):259–65.
- Bhanu Rekha. Study of intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus treated with 90-90 plating. International Journal of Orthopaedics Sciences 2017; 3(4): 31-34.