title: Pin and plate fixation in complex distal humerus fractures: surgical technique and results.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Complex distal humerus fractures are difficult to fix by conventional methods, especially in comminuted low distal humerus fractures. We propose a technique using small diameter K-wires and a plate on the humeral shaft.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between May 2007 and March 2009, 19 patients with poor bone quality showing comminuted or low distal humerus fractures involving the articular surface were referred to our institution and were primarily treated by this technique that we called "pin and plate fixation". We have reviewed all the cases treated by this method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average age was 46 years. All of the patients were followed up for a mean of 12 months and had a good range of motion (the average total arc of flexion-extension was 99°); the average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 18 points. The Mayo Elbow Performance Index was measured and the mean score was 88 in our patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this study, a technique has been evaluated for the treatment of complex distal humerus fractures. We recommend this technique in comminuted, osteoporotic or low distal humerus fractures in which other fixation methods seem difficult or even impossible.
authors: Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Reza Shariar
authors: RS
authors: Kamrani
authors: Saeed Reza
authors: SR
authors: Mehrpour
authors: Mohamad Reza
authors: MR
authors: Aghamirsalim
authors: Reza
authors: R
authors: Sorbi
authors: Ramin
authors: R
authors: Zargar Bashi
authors: Alper
authors: A
authors: Kaya
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001858:Bone Nails; D001860:Bone Plates; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020127:Recovery of Function; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult