Functional Outcomes of Distal Humerus Fractures Fixed by Orthogonal Double Plating

Abstract

Background: Distal humerus fractures constitute 2% of all fractures in the adult population. Surgical intervention is indicated in most cases, and these fractures are often complicated by difficulty in fracture-site exposure, comminution in the metaphyseal or articular region, and the presence of osteoporotic bone. The objective of the study was to assess functional outcome of operative fixation of distal humerus with locking plate and screws Materials And Methods: This is a retrospective study of 30 patients with distal humerus fractures fixed with orthogonal plating from 2018-2019 in KIMS Hospitals, Kondapur, Hyderabad. Functional outcome was assessed using Mayo Elbow Performance score along with other major and minor complications were noted. Results: There were 18 male patients and 12 female patients. Average age of the patients was 39.68 years with age ranging from 18 years to 80 years.16 cases were right humerus and 14 were left humerus involved. All cases we operated through trans olecrenon approach and chevron osteotomy technique, fracture stabilised by orthogonal locking compression plate. 6 fractures were C1, 15 were C2 and 9 were C3 types according to AO classification. Complications were noted in 5 patients. 13.3% patients were rated as excellent, 63.3% were rated good, 16.6% were rated as fair, 6.8% were rated as poor according to Mayo Elbow Performance Scoring. Conclusion: Orthogonal dual plate configurations can provide anatomical reconstruction and stable fixation of Type C intra articular distal humeral fractures and allow early mobilization of the elbow after surgery which result in good functional outcome Keywords: Distal humerus fractures, Trans Olecrenon, Chevron Osteotomy, MEP score.