Precontoured parallel plate fixation of AO/OTA type C distal humerus fractures.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the clinical effectiveness of precontoured parallel plating for the management of Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) type C distal humerus fractures.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
Level I trauma center.


METHODS
Between 2001 and 2005, 37 patients with OTA type C distal humerus fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation exclusively with the Mayo Elbow Congruent Plating system. Thirty-two patients consented to participate in the study.


METHODS
All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation with a precontoured bicolumn parallel plating system.


METHODS
Range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH), complication rate, and radiographic evaluation.


RESULTS
At a mean of 27 months follow up, the mean arc of elbow flexion-extension motion was 97 degrees (range, 10 degrees -145 degrees ). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 82 points and the mean DASH score was 24 points. There were no implant failures and all distal humerus fractures healed. A total of 24 complications occurred in 17 patients (53%) with five patients (16%) having postoperative nerve injuries.


CONCLUSIONS
Open reduction and internal fixation with a precontoured parallel plating system is an effective treatment method for OTA type C distal humerus fractures. Despite this, the fact that over half of the patients had a significant complication will require utmost vigilance on the part of the surgeon to avoid intraoperative complications. Patient counseling is paramount.
Athwal
George S
GS
Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Ontario N6A 4L6, Canada. gathwal@uwo.ca
Hoxie
Samuel C
SC
Rispoli
Damian M
DM
Steinmann
Scott P
SP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting / Q000379:methods; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult; D000092464:Elbow Injuries