title: Hinged external fixation and closed reduction for distal humerus fracture.
abstract: Elbow fractures are relatively rare in extremity injuries. Functional deficits often comprise the outcome. We report of a 77-year-old diabetic lady with a distal humerus fracture. She was treated with external fixation and closed reduction. Special emphasis was directed to early motion exercises. Follow-up after 1 year demonstrated a range of motion of 0-30-130 degrees for extension and flexion of the elbow joint. No neurovascular deficits were seen. The use of a hinged device was successful in re-establishing a good function. Although there are no earlier reports using this technique in acute treatment, we consider this strategy as an alternative option in carefully selected cases.
authors.affiliation: Trauma Department, Hanover Medical School (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany. haasper.carl@mh-hannover.de
authors.forename: Carl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Haasper
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jagodzinski
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Krettek
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zeichen
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed