A Study comparing Olecranon osteotomy with Triceps reflecting anconeus pedicle approach (TRAP) for internal fixation of supracondylar and intercondylar fractures of the humerus

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of the Olecranon osteotomy approach and TRAP (triceps reflecting anconeus pedicle) approach and comparing them, attributable to Mayo Elbow Performance Score, range of motion, duration of fracture union and duration of surgery. Method and Material: The study is a retrospective randomized control trial on patients with intercondylar and supracondylar fractures of humerus admitted and operated in Department of Orthopaedics, Government medical college and District Hospital, Ratlam from July 2019 to September 2020. Total of 30 patients was included in the study, 15 in each group viz. Group-A operated by TRAP approach and Group-B operated by olecranon osteotomy approach. Results: The difference in Mean duration for fracture union was not statistically significant, in group-A was 12.21 ± 1.621 weeks, while it was 13.46 ± 2.307 weeks in group-B. Duration of surgery was statistically significantly different, more in group B (1.42 ± 0.14 hours) compare to group-A (1.21 ± 0.21 hours). Comparison between ranges of motion of both groups was assessed by Average of extension lag, the mean elbow arc of motion and average of flexion. No significant difference was found between the parameters. The average of extension lag was 11.96 ± 9.26 degree in group-A and it was 16.77 ± 10.31 degree in group-B. The mean elbow arc of motion in group A was 98.34 ± 24.17degrees and in group B was 91.25 ± 21.84 degrees. Average flexion was 109.71 ± 16.65 degrees and 111.47 ± 20.37degrees in group-A and group-B respectively. The average Mayo Elbow Performance Score in group-A was 86.93 ± 12.42 and in group-B was 83.48 ± 15.93. P-value was >.05 show that there was no statistically significant difference between two groups Mayo elbow score. Finally, 25 patients (83.33%) out of 30 showed good and excellent results and hence concluding that there is no statistically significant difference between these two modalities when it comes to outcome. Conclusion: TRAP approach is comparatively better than osteotomy approach in terms of stable fracture fixation and better outcome, with the advantage of intact olecranon. However the approach demands fast rehabilitation.