The functional results of complex distal humeral fractures treated with parallel plate technique

Abstract

In our study the functional results of parallel plate technique applied to medial and lateral columns of elbow, in patients with complex elbow fracture were evaluated. Open reduction and internal fixation was performed by using parallel plate technique in 23 patients with complex elbow fracture (14 men, 9 women). Mean age was 39,8 year. The fracture mechanisms were traffic accident in 9 patients, simple fall in 6 patients, fall from high in 8 patients. Mean time from trauma to surgery was 5 days. Functional results were evaluated by using disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH) and Mayo elbow performance score. Range of motion and instability of the elbow joint was also evaluated. Mean follow up was 21 months. Mean flexion/extension arch was 101,8 degree, mean flexion was 125,4 degree, mean extension was 26,3 degree. Mean Mayo elbow performance score was 80,4. Mean DASH score was 11,1. One patient had a nonunion of olecranon osteotomy, one patient had a nonunion at the fracture. Heterotophic ossification was devoloped in 5 patients (21,7%). Surgery was complicated by an infection in 5 patients, and one of them needed debridement due to deep infection. In 3 patients screw and cerclage wires at the osteotomy site were removed due to symptomatic implants. As a result the functional outcomes of the complex elbow fractures that are treated with stabile osteosynthesis which permits early range of motion are satisfactory.