Intra-articular osteotomy for malunited articular fractures of the distal end of the humerus

Abstract

The precarious anatomy of the articular surface of the distal humerus, as well as its meager subchondral bony support and limited soft-tissue attachments, presents enormous challenges for the operative correction of post-traumatic intra-articular deformities. This study presents 8 patients who underwent articular osteotomy with a mean follow-up period of 10.6 years, with an emphasis on functional, patient-rated, and radiographic outcomes. Eight patients (mean age, 39 years; range, 17-60 years) were followed up for a mean period of 10.6 years. The original fracture was a type C variant in 4 patients, a type B unicondylar fracture in 2, and a type B articular shearing fracture in 2. The initial injury was treated operatively in 5 patients and nonoperatively in 3. The osteotomy and reconstruction were performed on average 8 months after injury (range, 6-11 months). The mean preoperative elbow arc of motion was 37°. Two patients had ulnar nerve dysfunction. All the osteotomies healed after the index procedure without evidence of avascular necrosis. Two patients required a second procedure for stiffness. At follow-up, the mean arc of elbow motion improved to 104° (P = .001), with a mean flexion contracture of 26°. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score at follow-up was 13 (range, 1-37); the mean patient satisfaction rating on a Likert scale (from 0 to 10) was 9.1; and the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Index score was 83 points (range, 70-100 points). Grade II osteoarthritic changes were seen in 3 patients, grade I in 3, and grade 0 in2. In selected patients with a defined intra-articular malunion, the results of our experience support corrective osteotomy.