Technical tip: fixation of extra-articular fractures of distal humerus with modified distal tibial locking plate

Introduction- Treatment of extra-articular distal humerus fractures is often difficult using conventional plates. Plates having enough screws (three to four) in the distal fragment either impinge on the olecranon fossa, or gain purchase by placing screws in the lateral or medial column of the distal humerus avoiding the olecranon fossa. Objectives- This study was to ascertain the effectiveness of modified distal tibial locking plate for use in distal third shaft humerus fracture. Methods- By using a modified distal tibial locking plate, a six to eight locking head screws can be easily placed in the in the limited length of distal fragment proximal to the olecranon fossa. Fourteen cases treated in such manner were followed up for a minimum of 24 months. Results- Union was achieved in all cases with no loss of reduction or implant failure. No patient complained of hardware complication, functional limitation or infection. Conclusion- Modified distal locking plate can be safely used in the limited space above olecrenon fossa in distal thirds humerus shaft fractures