Treatment of distal humerus fracture with AO distal humeral plating

Abstract

Objective To investigate surgical techniques and effects of AO distal humeral plate used as a treatment alternative for distal humerus fractures. Methods From April 2008 to July 2009, 22 cases of distal humerus fracture were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with AO distal humeral plate (DHP). They were 10 males and 12 females. Their ages ranged from 14 to 65 years (average, 40 years). According to AO classification, one case was Type A, 6 were Type B and 15 were Type C. Their elbows were not immobilized postoperatively. The mean follow-up was 15 months. Functional results were evaluated according to the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS). Results Fractures healed in all cases. There was no hardware failure or loss of reduction. No patient complained of pain. They had an average elbow flexion of 108° (range, 60° to 130°) and an average full extension to 25° (range 0 to 80°) . The average ulnohumeral motion was 79° (range, 10° to 130°). The average MEPS was 91 points (range, 60 to 100 points). Fifteen cases scored excellent, 5 good and 2 fair. Conclusions DHP has advantages of an anatomically preshaped locking plate which may enhance anchorage in fractures difficult to manage, such as metaphyseal comminuted supra-intercondylar fractures, lower fractures with relatively small distal fragments and osteoporotic fractures, and allow early postoperative rehabilitation. However, in order to achieve an optimal result,precise location and pre-bending of the plate should be ensured. Key words: Humerus; Fracture; Fracture fixation, internal; Plate