The functional outcome after surgical treatment of capitellar fractures: A retrospective review of sixteen cases
10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2352.2010.04.017
- VernacularTitle:肱骨小头移位骨折手术治疗的疗效分析
- Author:
Yeming WANG
;
Jianguo ZHANG
;
Baotong MA
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Humeral fractures;
Fracture fixation,internal;
Treatment outcome
- From:
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics
2010;30(4):407-410
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objectve The purpose of the study was to evaluate the surgical treatment method and outcomes of capitellar fractures. Methods From December 2004 to December 2006, sixteen patients with a capitellar fracture were included in the study. There were eight males and eight females. According to Bryan and Morrey classification, there were eight type Ⅰ fractures, one type Ⅲ fracture and seven type Ⅳ fractures. In three of type Ⅳ, a separate trochlear fracture fragment with impaction was seen. Distal lateral column posteroinferior metaphyseal comminutiou and/or impaction was observed in association with three fractures including two type Ⅳ fractures and one type Ⅲ fracture. One Mason type Ⅰ radial head fracture occurred in association with an ipsilateral type Ⅳ capiteilum fracture. The patients ranged from sixteen to sixty-five years old, with an average age of 44.9 years. An extensile lateral exposure and articular fixation with cannu-lated compression screws were performed within five days of injury. Clinical, radiographic, and functional el-bow index rating scale of Broberg-Money were evaluated retrospectively. Results The follow-up time ranged from 24 to 36 months,with the mean of 29 months. All fractures healed at an average of 7.9 (range, 6 to 11) weeks without radiographic evidence of osteonecrosis of the fracture fragment. Average arc of motion was 125.8°±16.8° in flexion-extension and 163.1°±10.62° in pronation-supination. The mean Broberg-Mor-rey was 92.0 points, with eight excellent results, seven good results, and one poor result. There were one pa-tient with a minimum of grade 1 radio-capitellar arthrosis.Fifteen of the sixteen adults were able to continue their former professional activities. The patient had persistent postoperative stiffness with a flexion contrac-ture at the last postoperative visit. Conclusion Prompt treatment with anatomic reduction and internal fixa-tion with lag screws followed by early rehabilitation can lead to functional arc and satisfactory outcome.