Temporary joint-spanning external fixation before internal fixation of open intra-articular distal humeral fractures: a staged protocol

Comparative study of functional outcomes between OTA/AO type C, Gustilo type I/II open fractures and closed fractures of the distal humerus treated by open reduction and internal fixation

Background

To evaluate the difference of functional outcomes between OTA/AO type C, Gustilo type I/II open fractures and closed fractures of the distal humerus after open reduction and internal fixation.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with OTA/AO-C distal humerus fractures who were treated in our department from January 2014 to December 2016. The patients were divided into an open fracture group and a closed fracture group. Their baseline characteristics and functional outcomes were analyzed and compared.

Results

A total of 64 patients treated by operative fixation were identified (25 open and 39 closed injuries), and the average follow-up time was 35.1 ± 13.6 months. There were no significant differences in the range of motion (ROM) of the elbow, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, complications, hospitalization time, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, or medical costs between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

OTA/AO type C, Gustilo I/II distal humeral open fractures can yield satisfactory clinical results similar to those of closed distal humeral fractures after open reduction and internal fixation.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Treatment Study.

Timing of Treatment of Open Fractures of the Distal Radius in Patients Younger Than 65 Years

The authors aimed to characterize surgical and functional outcomes of open fractures of the distal radius in patients younger than 65 years. At their level I trauma center, the authors conducted a retrospective review of 92 patients (age range, 16-64 years) who had 94 open fractures of the distal radius (average follow-up, 30 months; range, 3-95 months). Sixty-four fractures received definitive treatment at the time of initial débridement; 30 received definitive fixation and soft tissue coverage after staged débridement. Primary surgical outcome was development of deep surgical site infection requiring repeat surgical débridement; secondary surgical outcome was surgical complications requiring reoperation. Functional outcome was assessed by wrist range of motion. Overall infection rate was 15% (14 of 94 fractures). Seven (11%) of 64 fractures in the immediate definitive fixation group developed infection compared with 7 (23%) of 30 fractures in the staged treatment group (P=.13). Twenty-one (33%) of 64 fractures in the immediate definitive fixation group required reoperation compared with 15 (50%) of 30 in the staged treatment group (P=.11). Deep surgical site infections and surgical complications associated with open fractures of the distal radius are driven by soft tissue injury. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(4):219-225.].

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.

Safety of immediate open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric open fractures of the distal radius

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

There is a paucity of literature regarding outcomes of open fractures of the distal radius. No study has detailed this injury or treatment strategy in the geriatric population. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of immediate open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric open fractures of the distal radius.

METHODS

A total of 21 geriatric patients with open fractures of the distal radius treated with a single definitive procedure were identified from a prospectively collected database. We reviewed patient demographics, injury characteristics and treatment specifics. Our primary outcome was surgical-site infection defined by need for antibiotics or repeat surgery. Our secondary outcome was need for other re-operation. Patients were contacted and functional scores obtained.

RESULTS

Patients were followed up for an average of 26 months. One deep infection and one nonunion occurred, and they required repeat surgery. Four minor operative complications occurred, including stiffness requiring manipulation and prominent fixation devices requiring removal. Patients maintained an average wrist flexion-extension arc of 89° and pronation-supination arc of 137°. The average QuickDASH (shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire) score was 17.4, indicating minimal disability of the upper extremity.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric open fractures of the distal radius yields adequate functional results with low risk of major complications.