title: Mid-term results of complex distal humeral fractures.
abstract: The aim of this study was to assess outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation in complex fractures of the distal humerus. Between 2000 and 2006, 34 patients were operated for complex fractures of the distal humerus. Bone fixation was obtained with a reverse Y-shaped reconstruction plate in 13 cases and with double plating in 21 cases. At final follow-up, all the patients were assessed with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Satisfactory results were observed in 71% of the cases despite a high rate of complications. Age over 65 years is correlated with increased risk for an inferior postoperative result. Complex distal humeral fractures are difficult to treat and are associated with a high incidence of complications. It is therefore mandatory to obtain good anatomical reduction and a stable fixation of lateral and medial columns of the distal humerus. The results observed in older patients suggest that an alternative treatment for these patients may be joint replacement.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Orthopedic, Traumatology and Functional Rehabilitation, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Parma Hospital, Via Gramsci 14, 43100 Parma, Italy. dott.marcofrattini@libero.it
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frattini
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Soncini
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Corradi
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Panno
authors.forename: Silvio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tocco
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pogliacomi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult