European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Management of extra-articular distal humerus fractures presents a challenge to the treating surgeon due to the complex anatomy of the distal part of the humerus and complicated fracture morphology. The use of distal humerus locking compression plates is promoted for the management of these fractures.
Objectives: To evaluate the Functional and radiological outcome of extra-articular distal humerus fractures treated with distal humerus locking compression plate.
Materials and Methods: Our study consists of 29 cases of extra-articular distal humerus fracture operated at Mysore medical college and research institute from January 2021 to January 2023. Functional outcome was assessed through The Mayo Elbow Performance Score. All the cases in the study were post traumatic. Patients were following up regularly for a period of 1 year post operatively. And radiological parameters like Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal angle, humeral-ulnar angle, shaft-condylar angle, anterior line are calculated and were compared with normal values.
Results: There were 21 male (70.0%) patients and 8 (30%) female patients. Average age of the patients was 41.38 years with age ranging from 24 years to 65years. 16 cases were right humerus and 13 were left sided humerus involved. All cases were of AO type 13A fractures were operated using paratricipital approach, fracture stabilized with distal humerus locking compression plate. Most of the patients had excellent postoperative elbow flexion with average arc of elbow flexion of 117.33 degrees, average extension deficit of 8.67 degrees, average pronation of 70.83 degrees, average supination of 70.83 degrees. 2 patients in our study had superficial skin infection, 6 cases had Radial nerve neuropraxia.
Conclusion: Distal humerus locking compression plates offer a good fixation for the extra-articular distal humerus fractures with particular advantage in extra-articular type A3. The device helps in early mobilisation even in fractures with comminution due to its enhanced stability where as other fixation methods tend to delay mobilisation due to lack of stability of construct.