Double anatomical plate assisted reconstruction of a stable triangle for the treatment of chronic AO/OTA type C3 fractures of the distal humerus
10.3760/cma.j.cn121113-20250123-00076
- VernacularTitle:双解剖钢板辅助重建稳定三角治疗陈旧性肱骨远端AO/OTA C3型骨折
- Author:
Shangzhi LI
1
;
Jingzhi YANG
1
;
Jiaxi LIU
1
;
Shijie KANG
1
;
Tao JIANG
1
;
Dongsheng HUANG
1
;
Tao LIU
1
;
Fuxin LYU
1
;
Feilong BAO
1
Author Information
1. 山东大学齐鲁医院（青岛）创伤骨科，青岛市医工交叉重点实验室，青岛 266035
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Humerus fractures;
Reconstructive surgical procedures;
Treatment outcome;
Chronic fracture;
Stable triangle
- From:
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics
2025;45(13):856-863
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of double-anatomical plate-assisted reconstruction of a stable triangle in the treatment of chronic distal humerus fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records of 10 patients with distal humerus fracture treated with double plate assisted reconstruction of a stable triangle from August 2021 to December 2024. All patients were followed up for more than 6 months. The cohort included 9 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 54.75±15.15 years (range, 31-73 years). Causes of injury: 4 cases of slip, 2 cases of high-energy fall, 3 cases of traffic accident, and 1 case of crush injury. According to the AO/OTA classification, all fractures were type C3, including 4 cases of C3.3 and 6 cases of C3.2. The operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively and at the final follow-up. Radiographs were obtained to assess fracture reduction, healing, and implant positioning. Functional outcomes of the elbow were assessed using carrying angle, humeral condyle anteversion angle, modified trochleocapitellar index (mTCI), range of motion (ROM), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), and complication rates.Results:All 10 patients successfully completed the operation, with an average operation time of 221.75±48.73 min (range, 165-310 min), an average intraoperative blood loss of 462.50±215.05 ml (range 150-800 ml). 4 patients received blood transfusion. The average hospital stay was 10.75±2.55 d (range 6-14 d). The average carrying angle of 171.50°±5.37° (range 165°-179°) and the anterior angle of humeral condyle 39.75°±3.96° (range 34°-45°) were all within the standard range. At least one index in the mTCI was within the optimal range at the last follow-up. All patients were followed up with an average follow-up of 10.75±5.73 months (range 6-22 months). All 10 patients were healed after surgery with an average healing time of 4.75±2.05 months (range 3-9 months). At the final follow-up, the average elbow ROM was 93.75°±25.88° (range, 50°-115°), internal rotation was 83.13°±9.61° (range, 60°-90°), and external rotation was 88.13°±3.72° (range, 80°-90°). The mean VAS score was 0.63±0.92 (range, 0-2), and the average MEPS was 88.75±11.57 (range, 70-100), with 4 excellent, 4 good, and 2 fair outcomes, an excellent and good rate of 80%. Complications included one case of periarticular osteophyte formation, one case of transient ulnar nerve numbness that improved with conservative treatment, and three cases of occasional mild pain following increased activity. Conclusion Double-anatomical plate-assisted reconstruction of a stable triangle provides effective and stable fixation for chronic AO/OTA C3 distal humerus fractures. The short-term postoperative outcomes are satisfactory, with good functional recovery and a low complication rate.Conclusions:Double-anatomical plate-assisted reconstruction of a stable triangle provides effective and stable fixation for chronic AO/OTA C3 distal humerus fractures. The short-term postoperative outcomes are satisfactory, with good functional recovery and a low complication rate.
