Functional bracing for comminuted extra-articular fractures of the distal third of the humerus.
From 1982 to 1987 we treated 85 extra-articular comminuted distal third humeral fractures in adults with prefabricated plastic braces. Of these, 15% were open fractures and 18% had initial peripheral nerve injury. On average, the sleeve was applied 12 days after injury and used for 10 weeks. There was 96% union, with no infections. All nerve injuries resolved or were improving at the latest examination. At union there was varus deformity averaging 9 degrees in 81% of patients, but loss of range of movement was minimal and functional results were good.
Sarmiento
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Department of Orthopaedics, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90007.
Horowitch
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Aboulafia
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Vangsness
C T
CT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001915:Braces; D005260:Female; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006811:Humerus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014945:Wound Healing