Clinical outcomes of external fixator combined with K-wire fixation for treatment of old type C humeral intercondylar fractures

Abstract

Objective To explore the effective treatment method of old humeral intercondylar fractures.Methods From January 2005 to January 2010,13 cases of old type C humeral intercondylar fractures were treated.The injury to surgery intervals were 3 to 5 weeks.A hinged elbow external fixator and Kirschner wire were used for fixation after open reduction.Results All the patients had 11 to 24 months (mean,15 months) follow-up after the surgery.Fracture healing time ranged from 4 to 7 months,with an average of 5 months.The average range of motion of the elbow joint was (19.4 ± 6.5) ° of extension,(90.0 ± 10.3)° of flexion,(50.0 ±6.0)° of forearm pronation,and (65.0 ± 6.0)° of forearm supination.HSS elbow score increased from preoperative(30.4 ± 8.6) points to postoperative (75.7 ± 8.3) points,the difference being statistically significant (P ＜ 0.01).The results were rated excellent in 5 cases,good in 4 cases,fair in 3 cases and poor in 1 case.Conclusion The application of a hinged external fixator in open reduction and internal fixation of old type C humeral condylar fractures can assist early functional exercise of the elbow.It is conducive to the recovery of elbow function and can be an effective treatment. Key words: Humeral fractures; Fracture fixation,internal; External fixators