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Crönlein M, Lucke M, Beirer M, Pförringer D, Kirchhoff C, Biberthaler P, Braun KF, Siebenlist S. Polyaxial locking plates in treating distal humeral fractures: a comparative randomized trial for clinical outcome. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2017; 18:547. [PMID: 29282027 PMCID: PMC5745613 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-017-1910-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Management of distal humeral fractures remains to be one of the most challenging aspects in trauma surgery. Low profile plating systems with variable angle screw fixation represent a crucial advancement to the established angular stable locking plates with considerable attention in current research. The aim of the prospective randomized trial was to review the preliminary results and patients’ outcome following treatment with these newly developed implants and to rule out potential differences in fracture treatment of two different plating systems. Methods Twenty patients with distal humeral fractures (AO 13-A1 – AO 13-C3) were included in the current study since 2014. After completing the randomization plan, patients were distributed into two groups for different variable angle locking plates (DePuy Synthes® VA-LCP vs. Medartis® Aptus Elbow). Functional elbow scoring (ROM, MEPS, QuickDASH) served as primary outcome parameter, while radiological fracture consolidation served as secondary outcome parameter. Follow-ups were conducted 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after the operation. Results Seventeen of 20 patients (85%) concluded all follow-up examinations. Postoperative elbow extension deficiencies showed significant differences between the two groups in all follow-up examinations with a mean of Ø 18 +/− 7.4 degrees in the DePuy Synthes® VA-LCP group compared to a mean of Ø 6.5 +/− 7.5 degrees in the Medartis® Aptus Elbow group (p = 0.002) 12 months postoperatively. Functional scoring showed a disparate pattern. The Medartis® Aptus Elbow group achieved significantly better MEP scores during follow-up. However, the analysis of the QuickDash revealed better results of the DePuy Synthes® VA-LCP group in the first half and better results of the Medartis® Aptus Elbow group in the second half of the follow-up examination instead. Conclusions Considering the complexity of distal humeral fractures, the usage of anatomically preshaped low profile variable angle locking plates for operative treatment leads to good clinical results. Even though there might be some advances of the Medartis® Aptus Elbow plating system concerning postoperative ROM and elbow function, a consistent difference in the overall clinical outcome between the two plating systems could not be detected. Trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03272490 Retrospectively Registered 1. September 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Crönlein
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Lucke
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Chirurgisches Klinikum München Süd, Am Isarkanal 30, 81379, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Beirer
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Pförringer
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Chlodwig Kirchhoff
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Biberthaler
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Karl F Braun
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Siebenlist
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany. .,Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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Uhlmann M, Barg A, Valderrabano V, Weber O, Wirtz DC, Pagenstert G. [Treatment of isolated fractures of the olecranon: percutaneous double-screw fixation versus conventional tension band wiring]. Unfallchirurg 2015; 117:614-23. [PMID: 23754551 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-013-2389-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isolated fractures of the olecranon account for 7-10% of all osseous injuries in adults. These fractures are usually treated surgically by conventional tension band wiring. The percutaneous double-screw fixation is an optional treatment in patients with two fragment olecranon fractures with some postoperative advantages. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 13 patients with isolated fractures of the olecranon (Schatzker-Schmelling type A) treated by percutaneous double-screw fixation were included in this prospective study. The mean age of patients was 43.6 ± 11.0 years. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Functional results were assessed after a mean follow-up of 38.2 ± 11.5 months using the Quick-DASH score. The results were compared with those obtained in the control group including 26 patients treated by conventional tension band wiring. RESULTS No intraoperative complications were observed in both groups. In the group with percutaneous double-screw fixation the scar length was significantly shorter (2.4 ± 0.4 cm vs. 11.0 ± 1.8 cm, p < 0.001) and the hardware removal was substantially less frequent that in the group with conventional tension band wiring with 38.5 % and 73.1 %, respectively. At the minimum follow-up of 2 years comparable functional results were obtained in both groups (Quick-DASH score 2.3 vs. 0.0 points, respectively, p = 0.155); however, the range of elbow motion was significantly higher in the group with percutaneous double-screw fixation (extension/flexion 145° vs. 130°, p < 0.001; pronation/supination 165° vs. 155°, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The percutaneous double-screw fixation is a safe and viable treatment option in patients with isolated fractures of the olecranon (Schatzker-Schmelling type A). The functional results regarding DASH scores obtained using this technique were comparable with those observed in patients with conventional tension band wiring; however, range of elbow motion and cosmetic results were significantly better in the patient group with percutaneous double-screw fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Uhlmann
- Klinik für Orthopädie, Universitätsklinikum Basel, Spitalstraße 21, CH-4031, Basel, Schweiz
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