Evaluation of Functional Outcome of AO Type C Distal Humerus Fractures Treated Through Triceps-Splitting Approach

Vol. 9 | Issue 1 | January-February 2021 | Page: 20-25 | Anand S R , Ravi D Narahatti


Authors: Anand S R [1], Ravi D Narahatti [1]

[1] Department of Orthopedics, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Ravi D Narahatti,
Post Graduate Resident, Department of Orthopedics,
Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysore, Karnataka, India.
E-mail: rd.narahatti@gmail.com

 


Abstract


Background: The treatment of intra-articular distal humerus fractures is subject of continuous debate in the orthopedic literature. They are uncommon, the anatomy is complex, and the bone is frequently comminuted. The treatment of distal humerus fractures has traditionally been performed through a posterior approach and an olecranon osteotomy. This study is aimed to prospectively evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of the triceps-split approach for treating AO type C distal humerus fractures.
Methods: Twenty-two patients with distal humeral fracture AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association type C were treated in our institution. They were treated with a triceps-splitting approach. All the fractures were managed with two-column fixation and were evaluated for functional outcome using Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).
Results: A total of 22 patients were evaluated postoperatively thoroughly for functional outcome using MEPS which showed 11 patients (50%) had excellent, 8 patients (36.36%) had good, and 3 patients (13.64%) had fair outcome. Range of motion was 113.8° (range from 85° to 135°); the elbow flexion averaged 124.5∘ (range from 112° to 135°); and the deficit of elbow extension 12.6° (range from 0° to 30°).
Conclusion: The use of a triceps-splitting approach as an alternative to olecranon osteotomy to gain access to the distal humerus provided adequate exposure to perform open reduction and internal fixation with fewer complications, avoiding the complications of reconstruction of osteotomy in the osteotomy technique when used judiciously, especially in simple intra-articular fractures (C1 and C2 type fractures) and the outcomes have been satisfactory.
Keywords: Distal humerus fracture; AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association type C, Triceps-split approach, Mayo Elbow performance score.

 


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How to Cite this article: Anand SR, Narahatti RD Evaluation | of Functional Outcome of AO Type C Distal Humerus Fractures Treated Through Triceps-Splitting Approach | Journal of Karnataka Orthopaedic Association | January-February 2021; 9(1): 20-25.

 


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