Open reduction and internal fixation of the distal humerus: functional outcome in the elderly.

Abstract

To examine the functional outcome of a cohort of elderly patients after open reduction and internal plate and screw fixation of distal humerus fractures. Retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients older than 60 years of age who underwent plate and screw fixation of a distal humerus fracture. Eighteen patients, aged 63 to 85 years (average, 71 years), underwent open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced distal humerus fracture using plates and screws. Three were Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) type A, 2 were type B, and 13 were type C fractures. The patients were reviewed at a minimum follow-up of 1 year after surgery. All patients had a good or excellent clinical result using a standardized method of evaluation. General health status, as measured by the SF-36 Health Survey, was comparable to the published norms for U.S. male and female populations of similar age. Open reduction and internal fixation of the distal humerus in the elderly can provide good clinical results. Good clinical results, however, do not imply good general health status.