Double Parallel Plates Fixation for Distal Humerus Fractures.
10.12671/jkfs.2010.23.2.194
- Author:
Young Hak ROH
1
;
Moon Sang CHUNG
;
Goo Hyun BAEK
;
Young Ho LEE
;
Hyuk Jin LEE
;
Joon Oh LEE
;
Kyu Won OH
;
Hyun Sik GONG
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. hsgong@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Distal humerus fracture;
Double plate;
Parallel plate
- MeSH:
Ankylosis;
Contracture;
Elbow;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Humerus;
Multiple Trauma;
Range of Motion, Articular;
Reoperation;
Ulnar Nerve
- From:Journal of the Korean Fracture Society
2010;23(2):194-200
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of fixation of distal humerus fractures using recently-introduced double parallel plate system in sagittal plane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2004 to June 2008, seventeen patients with distal humerus fractures underwent primary open reduction and internal fixation with double parallel plates. According to the AO classification, there were 2 A3, 2 C1, 7 C2, and 6 C3 type fractures. Outcome assessment was performed by using the Mayo Elbow Performance index (MEPI). RESULTS: At a mean follow up of 18 (range, 12 to 32) months, 4 patients were rated as excellent, 8 as good, and 5 as fair in terms of MEPI. The average arc of elbow flexion after primary operation was 116 (range, 90~140) degrees with a mean flexion contracture of 13 (range, 0 to 30) degrees. One patient required reoperation due to fixation failure and six patients underwent capsulolysis and three patients underwent ulnar nerve neurolysis. The time to begin elbow motion exercise had negative correlation with total elbow range of motion and multiple trauma patients had significantly lower MEPI functional score compared to those without combined injury. CONCLUSION: Double parallel plating allowed adequate fixation for distal humerus fractures regardless of patient age and fracture pattern. Partial ankylosis and unlar nerve compression symptoms were the main causes of reoperation.
