Open reduction and fixation of capitellum fractures of the elbow using anterolateral approach…A prospective study

Abstract

The objective of this work is to present a functional evaluation of patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation of capitellum fractures using anterolateral approach. We studied the outcome of 20 consecutive patients with capitellum fractures, with one year of follow-up. Mean age in our study was 44 (range 25-60) years. 60% of patients were females in our study and non-dominant side was involved in 70% of patients. All the patients reported normal elbow function prior to trauma. RTA was the cause of injury in majority of patients and non-dominant side was injured in majority of patients. The patients were evaluated with Mayo Elbow Performance Index. All the fractures united at an average duration of 18 weeks. Mean Mayo score was 93. Mean pronation and supination were 83 and 85 degrees respectively. There were two cases of superficial infection, however got resolved uneventfully. One case of delayed union, one case of implant failure (needed revision surgery) and four cases of stiffness. We conclude that open reduction and internal fixation of coronal shear fractures of capitellum using headless screw compression via the antero-lateral approach is a reliable treatment modality and results in stable fixation with restoration of a functional arc of motion.