Distal humerus fracture and its surgical management with distal humerus dual plating

Abstract

Background: Approximately 7% of all adult fractures involve the elbow. Out of these, approximately 1/3 involve the distal humerus. These fractures have bimodal age distribution with peak incidences between the age 12 and 19 years and aged more than 80 years. The result of these fractures relies on the location of the fracture, the type of fracture (comminute or simple), any displacement, and any soft-tissue damage in the immediate vicinity. Distal humerus fracture can be treated surgically using a variety of techniques, including open reduction and internal fixation with plates, limited internal fixation with screws and/or Kirschner wire, and external fixation of the bone in some circumstances with loss of surrounding skin or soft tissue. Aim and Objective: This prospective and cohort study of 30 patients with distal humerus fracture aimed at evaluating the radiological outcome and function outcome of patients treated with distal humerus dual platting. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with distal humeral fractures had surgical treatment between March 2021 and March 2023 been investigated. Open reduction through posterior approach was used to treat patients. Olecranon osteotomy with two-column internal fixation with parallel plates, the healing of fractures, functional results, and consequences were assessed in patients. Results: After the follow-up time range from 1 month to 2 years, the average duration for union in operated patients was 24 weeks (range 18–34 weeks). Two patients came with non-union and operated again, whereas one patient came with back out of screws. Mayo elbow performance score was used to evaluate the patients’ functional outcome. Conclusion: Distal humerus fractures should be treated with dual plating through a posterior approach and an olecranon osteotomy to restore the best possible elbow function.