OBJECTIVETo explore the surgical management and its results of intercondylar fractures of the humerus through approach of osteotomy of olecranon (AOO) with dual steel plate.

METHODSFrom June 2001 to March 2007, 38 patients of intercondylar fractures of humerus were treated surgically through AOO, and the fracture was reduced and fixed with dual steel plate. There were 24 males and 14 females with a mean age of 37 years (range 19 to 48 years). All cases were closed fractures. The fractures were classified according AO included 12 cases of C1, 20 cases of C2 and 6 cases of C3. The time from injured to operation was 6 hours to 14 days (means 7 days).

RESULTSThese 38 patients were followed up from 5 months to 2 years (average 12 months). The wound healing of one patient was below the mark. After the treatment of change dressings, the wound healed. Of these 38 patients, no loosening or breakage of internal fixation occurred. All the osteotomies healed in 15 weeks averagely (range 12 to 22 weeks). According to Cassebaum scoring system, the results were excellent in 15 cases, good in 17 cases, fair in 5 cases and poor in 1 case.

CONCLUSIONThe technique of dual steel plate for the treatment intercondylar fractures of the humerus through approach of osteotomy of olecranon (AOO) offers many advantages, such as sufficient exposure easy, stable fixation and earlier exercise. Functional exercise in the early period is the crucial factor of enhancing the therapeutic effect.