Functional Outcome of Intra-articular Distal Humerus Fractures in Adults Treated with Bicolumnar Plating using Pre-contoured Distal Humerus Locking Plates: A Prospective Study

Volume 7 | Issue 1 | Jan – April 2019 | Page: 24-28 | Vinay B Patil, Anand Garampalli, S B Kamareddy, Amar.


Authors: Vinay B Patil [1], Anand Garampalli [1], S B Kamareddy [1], Amar [1].

[1] Department of Orthopedics, Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India.

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Anand Garampalli,

Department of Orthopedics, M R Medical College, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India.

E-mail: garampalli@gmail.com


Abstract

Introduction: Distal humerus fractures in adults are relatively uncommon injuries amounting to 2–6% of all fractures and 30% of all elbow fractures. The complex shape of the elbow joint, the adjacent neurovascular structures make these fractures difficult to treat. The present study is undertaken to evaluate the functional outcome of intra-articular distal humerus fractures by open reduction and internal fixation using bicolumnar plating technique.

Materials and Methods: A total of 20 intra-articular distal humerus fractures were operated during December 2015–June 2017 were included in the study. All the patients were operated with pre-countered distal humerus locking plates in orthogonal fashion, and outcome was measured by MEPS, rate of union, rate of complications, and final range of motion. Results: In our series of 20 cases, there were 12 males and 8 females. 5 cases were due to self-fall, 14 were due to RTA, and one due to assault. Out of 20 cases, 4 (20%) were of C1 type of fractures, 14 (70%) were of C2, and 2 (10%) were of C3 type of fractures. Excellent results were seen in 12, good in 5, and fair in 3, according to MEPS. There were 2 cases of superficial infection and 2 cases of ulnar neuropathy, treated accordingly.

Conclusion: Operative treatment with stable anatomical internal fixation using anatomically pre-contoured distal humerus plates should be the line of treatment for all grades of intra-articular distal humerus fractures, as it gives best chance to achieve good elbow function.

Keywords: Intra-articular distal humerus fractures, ORIF, bicolumnar plating, MEPS.


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How to Cite this article: Patil V B, Garampalli A, Kamareddy S B, Amar.Functional Outcome of Intraarticular Distal Humerus Fractures in Adults Treated with Bicolumnar Plating using Pre-contoured Distal Humerus Locking Plates: A Prospective Study. J Kar Orth Assoc. Jan-April 2019; 7(1): 24-28.

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