Locking and Non-locking Constructs Achieve Similar Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes for Internal Fixation of Intra-articular Distal Humerus Fractures

Treating AO Type C2-3 Distal Humerus Fractures With the Anconeus Flap Transolecranon Approach

We evaluated the outcomes of precontoured locking plate fixation with the anconeus flap transolecranon (AFT) approach to treating AO type C2-3 comminuted intra-articular distal humerus (IDH) fractures among active patients. Thirty-six patients (age <65 years) with IDH fractures treated with precontoured distal humerus locking plate fixation were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n=18; transolecranon [TO] approach) and group 2 (n=18; AFT approach). The radiographic examination included assessments of implant failure, fracture site union, and olecranon osteotomy site union. Clinical examination included assessments of operating time, range of motion (ROM), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, and complications. The mean follow-up time was 25.2 months (range, 18-79 months). The mean operating time was 134.3 minutes and was significantly longer for group 2 (AFT; 141.2 minutes) than for group 1 (TO; 124.2 minutes). The mean olecranon osteotomy site union time was significantly longer in group 2 (7.4 weeks) than in group 2 (4.0 weeks). Olecranon osteotomy site resorption occurred among 6 of 18 patients only in group 2. No significant difference in ROM (flexion, 130°; extension, -0.7°), MEPS (85.7 points), DASH score (20.0 points), or frequency of major complications (TO, 5; AFT, 6) was observed between the groups. Our results showed no advantage of the AFT approach over the TO approach, despite preserving the anconeus. Prospective randomized trials will be necessary to compare the AFT and TO approaches for treating comminuted IDH fractures. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(6):e326-e334.].

Predictors of reoperation after internal fixation of intra-articular distal humerus fractures

BACKGROUND

Despite good reported outcomes with open reduction and internal fixation of intra-articular distal humerus fractures, complication rates remain high. The objective of this work is to identify factors associated with reoperation.

METHODS

Sixty-three patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation for intra-articular (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen type C) distal humerus fractures between 2004 and 2010 were identified using an institutional trauma registry, 62 of which were followed for a minimum of six months. Age, gender, fracture subclassification, open fracture presence, Injury Severity Score, time to definitive surgery, length of postoperative immobilization, and type of approach were recorded. Multivariate analysis was utilized to identify factors independently associated with reoperation.

RESULTS

Complications requiring reoperation developed in 25 (40.3%) elbows. The most common reasons were wound dehiscence or infection in nine elbows (14.5%) and symptomatic hardware in six (9.6%). During multivariate analysis, only olecranon osteotomy remained an independent predictor for reoperation (P = 0.043).

DISCUSSION

Despite improved internal fixation techniques, a high proportion of elbows require reoperation after open reduction and internal fixation for distal humerus fractures. Higher complication rates in fractures fixed through an olecranon osteotomy may reflect additional reoperations due to nonunion of the osteotomy or need to remove hardware from the ulna.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III.

Intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus-a review of the current practice

Intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus are complex injuries that can considerably limit elbow function if not treated appropriately. Surgical management is indicated for most intra-articular distal humerus fractures with the goal of restoring elbow range of motion and function. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates and screws has been the preferred surgical option. Double plating is recommended for bicolumnar fractures and plates can be applied either parallel or orthogonal to each other. Surgical approach for ORIF of the distal humerus can be performed through an olecranon osteotomy, but other approaches that preserve the olecranon are also in use, such as the triceps-reflecting, triceps-splitting, paratricipital, and triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle approach. The ulnar nerve is identified during the approach, followed by either in situ decompression or anterior transposition. Elbow arthroplasty has also emerged as a viable alternative to ORIF for fixation of these fractures in elderly patients with poor bone quality.

Triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle approach with double precontoured locking plate fixation is efficient in the treatment of orthopaedic trauma association type C distal humerus fracture

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine if the triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle (TRAP) approach combined with the precontoured locking plate can provide acceptable clinical outcomes in the treatment of comminuted distal humerus fracture.

METHODS

Between August 2008 and June 2014, 48 patients with Orthopaedic Trauma Association type C (21 with C2, 27 with C3) distal humerus fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation with orthogonal precontoured locking plate fixation using the TRAP approach. Occurrences of bony union, implant failure, posttraumatic arthrosis, and heterotopic ossification were detected with radiography. Clinical assessment included evaluation of range of motion and determination of the pain score, Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) score, and Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.

RESULTS

The fractures healed within 3 months in 25 patients (53%) and within 6 months in 23 patients (47%). The 12-month assessment revealed improved elbow movement, with the mean arc of flexion-extension of 121° (range, 100°-140°), mean arc of supination-pronation of 163° (range, 150°-180°), and mean flexion contracture of 8° (range, 0°-30°). The mean MEPI score was 81 and the mean DASH score was 11.7.

CONCLUSIONS

By retaining the intact olecranon by the TRAP approach, orthopedic surgeon can get adequate surgical exposure for fracture fixation and can use olecranon as a three-dimensional template to restore the articular fragments. The promising results in this study obtain because that precise identification of the triceps muscle allowed the determination of a proper length-tension relationship for triceps reattachment. The combination of triceps tendon repair and anconeous muscle repair ensured the strength of the extensor mechanism. Therefore, the TRAP approach in combination with the usage of the precontoured locking plate can be recommended as the optimal surgical approach for the treatment of comminuted distal humerus fracture.

Promising results after the treatment of simple and complex distal humerus type C fractures by angular-stable double-plate osteosynthesis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional results and complications following open reduction and internal fixation of distal humerus type C fractures (AO classification) using an anatomically precontoured, angular-stable double-plate system.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study is a retrospective analysis of 45 patients with 46 type C fractures. There was one C1, eight C2 and 31 C3 fractures. Twelve fractures were open (Gustilo classification). Follow-up was performed on 38 patients with 39 fractures (84%) after 14 months (range, 12-22). The mean age was 50 years (range, 14-87). Functional results were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS); the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH); and range-of motion (ROM) measurements. Complications were classified as minor or major, and the postoperative and follow-up X-rays were analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-four fractures were considered stable to allow early physical therapy. With a mean MEPS of 85 points, 36 results (36/39 [92%]) were rated as excellent or good. The mean DASH was 22.5 points, and the ROM for extension-flexion was 105° (range, 50-145). Sixteen major complications (eventually coexistent: 6 × implant failure, 3 × non-union, 6 × stiffness, 2 × necrosis capitulum, 4 × failure olecranon osteotomy refixation) and two minor complications were recorded in 17 patients. These adverse events led to 14 revision surgeries (14/39 [36%]). Except for extension deficit, no statistically significant differences were found between the articular simple and articular complex fractures and when comparing the results between patients with and without a major complication.

CONCLUSION

The anatomically precontoured and angular-stable double-plate system provides sufficient immediate postoperative stability to allow early physiotherapy, even in C3-type fractures. Excellent or good results could be achieved in the vast majority of patients, independent on having suffered a complication or not. Complication rates were remarkably high, emphasizing the difficulties associated with this rare type of fracture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV Retrospective study.