Distal humerus fractures in the elderly population

Low Transcondylar Fractures of the Distal Humerus: A Multicenter Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the demographic characteristics and clinical and radiologic results of low transcondylar fractures and compare them with those of other types of distal humerus fractures using multicenter data and to suggest an optimal method for their treatment.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary-care university hospital.

PATIENTS

Between 2009 and 2019, 581 patients who underwent surgery for distal humerus fractures (OTA/AO classification A1 to C3) were enrolled at 7 university-affiliated hospitals.

INTERVENTION

Internal fixation of low transcondylar fractures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Demographic characteristics, including sex, age, mechanism of injury, fixation methods, and complications, were compared between low transcondylar (group A) and other distal humerus (group B) fractures. Clinical outcomes assessed included pain, stability, and range of motion. Radiographs obtained at the latest follow-up were assessed for union, delayed union, nonunion, and implant failure.

RESULTS

Mean age was 62.1 ± 19.1 (range, 20-95) years, and it was higher in group A (n = 100) than in group B (n = 376). Patients in group A were predominantly women. Low-energy trauma, such as that from a simple fall, was the most common cause of fracture in group A. Both column fixation, including parallel and orthogonal double plating, was performed more commonly in group A than in group B (87.4% vs. 66.4%, P < 0.001). The nonunion rate was higher in group A, but the difference was not significant. The incidence of ulnar nerve-related symptoms was higher in group A after surgery (6.3% vs. 2.0%, P = 0.003). No significant difference in clinical outcomes was found between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Low transcondylar fractures occurred more frequently than other distal humerus fractures in older female patients and accounted for 21% of distal humerus fractures. The incidence of ulnar nerve-related symptoms was higher in patients with low transcondylar fractures after surgery. Clinical outcomes were not inferior in patients with low transcondylar fractures. The nonunion rate in patients with low transcondylar fractures treated with double plating was 3.6%.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Results of plate fixation for transcondylar fracture of the distal humerus: a rare pattern of fractures

Background

The pattern of transcondylar fracture of the humerus is unique and the incidence rate is very low. Stable internal fixation may be difficult to achieve, and complications have been reported at a higher rate. The purpose was to report the outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for transcondylar fractures of the humerus.

Methods

Seventeen patients were included between January 2014 and December 2017. ORIF was performed using anatomic distal humerus plates. Results were evaluated by range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and complications. We analyzed the results according to ulnar nerve transposition status and fixation pattern.

Results

The mean range of elbow motion was 117° flexion and 20° extension. The MEPS was excellent in 12, good in 3, fair in 1, and poor in 1. There were in total 5 cases of complications among 17 patients: 1 with nonunion, 1 with ulnar neuropathy, 2 with delayed union, and 1 with heterotopic ossification. The results according to ulna nerve transposition and fixation pattern showed no difference.

Conclusions

For reliable and good results, rigid fixation using anatomic plates and appropriate immobilization of the fracture site are key factors in the treatment. In our case series, the overall outcome was good and there were 2 major complications. The ORIF using anatomic plates can be a reliable treatment option for transcondylar humeral fractures.

Lateral Para-Olecranon Approach for the Treatment of Distal Humeral Fracture

PURPOSE

To assess the outcomes of the lateral para-olecranon triceps-splitting approach for the treatment of distal humeral fracture.

METHODS

Ten patients (3 males, 7 females) with a mean age of 59 years were retrospectively reviewed. There were 2 A2, 3 C1, and 5 C2 fractures according to the AO/ASIF classification. Types B3 and C3 fractures were excluded from this study because the olecranon osteotomy approach was indicated to visualize the anterior fragment. The triceps was split at the midline, and the anconeus muscle was incised from the proximal ulna. The lateral half of the triceps along with anconeus was retracted laterally as a single unit. The distal part of the humerus could be visualized from medial and lateral windows by retracting the medial half of the triceps. The articular fragment was anatomically reduced and fixed temporarily with a Kirschner wire, and the reconstructed distal articular block was then fixed to the humeral shaft with double locking plates.

RESULTS

After surgery, average elbow flexion was 127° (range, 110°-145°), and extension was -10° (range, -20°-0°) at the average follow-up time of 12.4 months (range, 8‒20 months). Seven patients had normal muscle strength against full resistance (manual muscle testing grade 5), and the other 3 patients had slightly reduced muscle strength (grade 4). No articular stepoffs of more than 1 mm were seen on postoperative radiographs. There were no cases of triceps insufficiency and nonunion. The average (± SD) Mayo Elbow Score was 93.5 ± 5.8 points at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The lateral para-olecranon approach is useful for the management of selected fractures of the distal humerus, preserving extension strength and providing satisfactory clinical outcomes, with no risk of olecranon osteotomy-related complications.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic V.

Distal-third diaphyseal fractures of the humerus: choice of approach and surgical treatment

PURPOSE

Distal-third diaphyseal fractures of the humerus are often hard to treat due to location and pattern of the fractures, radial nerve injury, and quality of bone and age of patients. The aim of this retrospective study is to propose the best approach and the best surgical technique according to the pattern of extra-articular fracture of the distal humerus.

METHODS

We have treated 37 fractures of the distal humerus between January 2010 and July 2015 classified according to the AO classification. There were 2 open fractures. We treated all fractures with open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws. In 20 cases, we performed a posterior midline triceps-splitting approach, with patients in prone decubitus position; in 2 cases, the triceps-splitting approach with the patients in supine decubitus position; in 3 cases, the olecranon osteotomy approach in prone decubitus position; and in 12 cases, the lateral approach in supine decubitus position.

RESULTS

Thirty cases had a medium follow-up of 6 months. We observe 2 post-operative radial nerve palsies healed in 5 months and 2 cases of non-union. The average time to union of remaining cases was 16 weeks (range 12-24). Elbow motility was complete in 25 cases, in 4 cases there was an extension loss of 5°, and in one case there was an extension loss of 10°.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of plates allows an anatomical fracture reduction, a better control of alignment of humerus and, with a rigid fixation, an early elbow mobilization. The best approach and the best surgical technique depend on the pattern of the fracture of distal humerus.