Open reduction and bi-columnar internal fixation of intra-articular distal humerus fractures through a combined medial and lateral approach

Purpose The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the suitability of bi-columnar internal fixation through a combined medial and lateral approach for the treatment of intra-articular distal humerus fractures. Methods Nineteen cases of intra-articular distal humerus fractures were treate...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology 2014-10, Vol.24 (7), p.1115-1122
Main Authors: Xie, Xiaoxing, Qin, Hui, Shen, Longxiang, Zeng, Bingfang, An, Zhiquan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Elbow Joint - injuries
Elbow Joint - physiopathology
Elbow Joint - surgery
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Forearm - physiopathology
Fracture Fixation, Internal - methods
Fracture Healing
Humans
Humeral Fractures - diagnostic imaging
Humeral Fractures - physiopathology
Humeral Fractures - surgery
Intra-Articular Fractures - diagnostic imaging
Intra-Articular Fractures - physiopathology
Intra-Articular Fractures - surgery
Male
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Middle Aged
Original Article
Pronation
Radiography
Range of Motion, Articular
Retrospective Studies
Supination
Surgical Orthopedics
Traumatic Surgery
Young Adult
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Purpose The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the suitability of bi-columnar internal fixation through a combined medial and lateral approach for the treatment of intra-articular distal humerus fractures. Methods Nineteen cases of intra-articular distal humerus fractures were treated with open reduction and bi-columnar internal fixation through a combined medial and lateral approach. The reduction in the articular surface and functional recovery of the affected elbows was assessed at an average follow-up of 15.8 ± 7.9 (7–43) months. Results The gap in the main articular fragments was less than 1 mm in 16 cases, while a gap of more than 1 mm and less than 2 mm was identified in 2 cases and of 3.7 mm in one case. All the fractures were united. At the latest follow-up, the mean flexion–extension of the elbows was 113.4° ± 20.7°, while the pronation–supination of the forearms was 158.3° ± 8.5°, and the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Index was 93.7 ± 9.1 points, leading to 13 excellent outcomes, and 6 with good results. Conclusions Intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus can be effectively treated by open reduction and internal fixation through a combined medial and lateral approach at the elbow.
ISSN:1633-8065
1432-1068
DOI:10.1007/s00590-013-1302-2