Anatomical and functional outcomes after surgical treatment of distal humeral fracture in Sylvanus Olympio hospital

Abstract

Introduction: The treatment of humeral pallet fractures in adults is usually surgical, and the use of two plates to reconstruct the two abutments is recommended. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of surgically treated humeral pallet fractures. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, single-center study from January 2014 to December 2017 of patients over 15 years of age operated on for humeral pallet fracture and followed regularly over a period of at least 6 months at CHU-SO (Togo). Results: Thirty-four (34) patients including 25 males and 9 females were treated and followed during this period. The average age of the patients was 42 years and the age group most affected was 16-30 years (41.17%). The right side was the most affected (76%) and road accidents were the main etiology found. Type C lesions (55.9%) were predominant, followed by type A lesions (26.5%). The posterior approach was the most common (76.34%). Olecraniotomy was performed in 55.88% of cases. The screw plate was the most commonly used stabilization material. We obtained 76.5% consolidation, 5 cases of malunion and 3 cases of pseudarthrosis. Evaluation according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score showed 79.4% excellent and good results and 11.7% poor results. Conclusion: Humeral palmar fractures are complex injuries due to the violence of the etiological mechanisms. Surgical treatment offers satisfactory results despite the slow pace of management. Early management and rigorous and intense rehabilitation will further improve these results.