Use of a hybrid external fixator for a severely comminuted juxta-articular fracture of the distal humerus.
Severely comminuted, juxta-articular fractures present a difficult management dilemma for orthopaedic surgeons. Recently, hybrid external fixators have been used for treatment of such fractures in the lower extremity, particularly in the tibial plateau and the tibial plafond. The same technique may be applied to the upper extremity with gratifying results. This technique has the advantage of minimal dissection while restoring limb alignment and permitting immediate joint motion. The proximity of neurovascular structures to the humerus requires careful attention to anatomic detail when placing such a fixator.
Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA.
D L
DL
Skaggs
J M
JM
Hale
S
S
Buggay
R M
RM
Kay
D000293:Adolescent; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D016267:External Fixators; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D000092464:Elbow Injuries