Results of surgical treatment of intra-articular (ao-c3) distal humeral fractures in adults.

Abstract

Background: The results of intra-articular comminuted distal humeral fractures, which have been treated by open reduction and dual plate fixation, are compared in this study with previously published results.

Methods: At Uludag University Faculty of Medicine Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, between 1995 and 2002, the results of 20 cases were evaluated in patients with intra-articular comminuted distal humer- alfractures, who had been treated by open reduction and internal jixation.

Results: Eleven (55%) cases were male, nine (45%) were female and mean age was 40.6 (range; 18 to 76). All fractures were C3 type according to AO/ASIF classification. Eight (40%) cases were open fractures and of these, six ( 30% ) were type 3A and 2 ( 1 0% ) were type 3B on the Gustilo-Anderson classification. All the fractures were jixed with dual plate after open reduction. In 25% ~f the cases, superficial wound infection was observed and in 5% heterotopic ossification.

Conclusion: In adult distal humeral. fractures of type C3, stabilization by dual plate, following open reduction and early commencement of joint movements, has fewer complications and should he the preferred method of treatment. Key Words: Distal humeral, fracture, intra-articular, dual plate. fixation.