title: A comparison of double-plate fixation methods for complex distal humerus fractures.
abstract: A modified method of fracture fixation of complex distal humeral fractures with medial and lateral plates and bolts was biomechanically tested and compared with previously described fixation techniques. Compressive stiffness coefficients were determined for three classes of fixation before and after fatigue cycling. This procedure was followed with compressive loading to failure. The results show that in the most unstable fracture type tested this new fixation method provides increased strength and stability. Early clinical follow-up examinations of patients treated with this technique show that this method is a reasonable fixation alternative for the complex distal humerus intercondylar fracture.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Galveston 77555-0792.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Self
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Viegas
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Buford
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Patterson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular