title: Use of orthogonal or parallel plating techniques to treat distal humerus fractures.
abstract: Distal humerus fractures continue to be a complex fracture to treat. This article describes two surgical techniques that can be used to tackle these difficult fractures: Parallel plating and orthogonal plating. Both techniques have yielded excellent outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation; yet each has its own set of unique considerations. However, the key to successful treatment of these difficult fractures regardless of technique remains obtaining anatomic reduction with stable fixation and the implementation of early motion.
authors.affiliation: The Philadelphia Hand Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 834 Chestnut Street, Suite G114, Philadelphia, PA, USA. jabzug1@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Joshua M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Abzug
authors.forename: Phani K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Dantuluri
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome