Three-dimensional osseous micro-architecture of the distal humerus: implications for internal fixation of osteoporotic fracture.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study is to analyze 3-dimensional structural parameters of cortical and trabecular bone in the distal humerus using quantitative CT and to find regional variations and differences according to age.


METHODS
We collected 14 cadaveric distal humeri with an average age of 58.4 years. The specimens were examined at 3 different levels: 1) distal trans-epicondylar section, 2) mid trans-olecranon fossa section, and 3) proximal supra-olecranon fossa section.


RESULTS
In the distal section, bone volume was the greatest in the anterior part of the lateral condyle and the least in the posterior part of the lateral condyle. Cortical thickness in the distal section was the thickest in the posterior medial and the thinnest in the anterior aspect followed by lateral aspect. The changes in cortical thickness with aging were obvious in the posterior side and trabecular bone on the medial condyle.


CONCLUSIONS
This study evaluated the differences in cortical and trabecular bone parameters in each different region of the distal humerus. We found a potential weakness of plate fixation in the posterolateral aspect of the distal condyle because of relative insufficient osseous micro-architecture, which may affect the treatment of osteoporotic distal humerus fractures especially in elderly patients.
Park
So Hyun
SH
Department of Physical Therapy, Daegu University, Daegu, Korea.
Kim
Sung Jung
SJ
Park
Byun Chul
BC
Suh
Kyung Jin
KJ
Lee
Jee Young
JY
Park
Chun Woo
CW
Shin
Im Hee
IH
Jeon
In-Ho
IH
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015519:Bone Density; D002102:Cadaver; D018483:Diaphyses / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006811:Humerus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D057072:Intra-Articular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D011336:Probability; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed