European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background: Extra-articular distal shaft humerus fractures at the junction of cylindrical and triangular portion are seen as torsion wedge fractures. Historically most shaft fractures were treated conservatively. Today’s trend is towards surgical management due to high patient demand and availability of anatomical plates. This study aims to evaluate the functional results of plating in extra-articular distal humerus fractures with duration of clinical and radiological union.
Methods: A prospective study of 20 patients with torsion wedge fractures of AO Type 12-B1 was done over a period of 3 years. Demographic data was collected and all patients underwent fixation with posterior triceps splitting approach using an extra-articular distal humerus plate (EADHP) and inter-fragmentary screws. Results were evaluated by clinical and radiographic parameters. Functional results were monitored by modified Quick DASH score.
Results: There were 12 males and 8 females with a mean age of 34.45 years. Mean time to clinical and radiographic union was 10.5 weeks and 33.9 weeks respectively. The mean modified Quick DASH score at clinical and radiographic union was 24.8% and 13.76% respectively. Two patients developed radial nerve neuropraxia recovering spontaneously. One patient having inadequate reduction went on to unite both clinically and radiographically with good functional out come without any secondary intervention.
Conclusion: AO Type 12-B1 humerus fractures treated surgically with anatomical locking plates and inter-fragmentary screws give excellent anatomical and functional results. Though time to radiographic union is prolonged, no secondary intervention in the form of bone grafting or other modalities was required in any patient.