The use of parallel pre-contoured plates in the treatment of A and C fractures of the distal humerus

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and radiological results of fixation with parallel pre-contoured plates in intra-articular and extra-articular distal humerus fractures. We retrospectively evaluate seven cases of type A and six cases of type C fracture treated with the Mayo Clinic Congruent Elbow Plate system (Acumed, Hillsboro, Oregon) after a mean follow-up of 14.8 and 21.3 months, respectively. Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was utilized for functional evaluation. Mean MEPS was (92.86 +/- 16.8) in the first group showing 6 excellent and one poor result, while (94.17 +/- 12) showing five excellent and one fair in the second group, showing no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.87). The mean active motion recovered postoperatively was 120 degrees (+/-34.5 degrees) in type A fractures and 113 degrees (+/-14.7 degrees) in type C fractures, and there was no significant difference (P = 0.67). Complications occurred in 6 of the 13 patients analysed at follow-up (3 radial neuropathy, one ulnar neuropathy, one screw mobilization and one heterotopic ossification). The fractures healed in every patient, and no synthesis failed. The parallel plate system has proved to be extremely useful in the treatment of intra-articular and extra-articular distal humerus fractures. The pre-contoured geometry allows easier reduction and stabilization of complex fractures. The higher stability achieved permits early mobilization, thus obtaining a higher percentage of excellent results.