Extra articular distal humerus fractures: Single plate and Single approach

Dr. Rajendra Gora; Dr. Soumya Shrikanta Mohapatra; Dr. Rakesh Kumar; Dr. Narendra Joshi

Volume : IX, Issue : VII, July - 2020

Extra articular distal humerus fractures: Single plate and Single approach

Dr. Rajendra Gora, Dr. Soumya Shrikanta Mohapatra, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Dr. Narendra Joshi

Abstract :

Purpose Extra articular distal humerus fractures are notorious for periarticular smaller distal fragment and associated radial nerve palsy. Conservative treatment though achieves union but with propensity to angulation deformity. Operative means with the dual plate leads to severe periosteal stripping. The purpose of the study was to prospectively analyse the clinical and radiological outcomes of the single postero-lateral extra-articular distal humerus plate in such fractures. Materials and methods Our cohort included 27 patients (20 males and 7 females) with the distal humerus fractures with the mean age of 29.8 +/- 7.4 years with 12 A,B,C and 13 A fractures. All patient were operated by a single group of surgeons by modified posterior triceps reflecting approach. Results Evaluation was done by time to union, range of elbow movement and Quick DASH scores. Average follow up was for 77.92 +/- 10.34 weeks. All fractures achieved union at a mean period of 10.61 +/- 1.61 weeks. The mean active flexion was 120.37 +/- 6.03 degrees. The mean Quick DASH score at the end of one year was 13.30 +/- 5.70. Conclusion The extra-articular distal humerus plate gives excellent results when applied through the modified posterior triceps reflecting approach and followed up with sincere rehabilitation programme.