A comparison between orthogonal and parallel plating methods for distal humerus fractures: a prospective randomized trial.
With the continuing improvements in implants for distal humerus fractures, it is expected that newer types of plates, which are anatomically precontoured, thinner and less irritating to soft tissue, would have comparable outcomes when used in a clinical study. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with distal humerus fractures who were treated with orthogonal and parallel plating methods using precontoured distal humerus plates. Sixty-seven patients with a mean age of 55.4 years (range 22-90 years) were included in this prospective study. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 2 treatments: orthogonal or parallel plating. The following results were assessed: operating time, time to fracture union, presence of a step or gap at the articular margin, varus-valgus angulation, functional recovery, and complications. No intergroup differences were observed based on radiological and clinical results between the groups. In our practice, no significant differences were found between the orthogonal and parallel plating methods in terms of clinical outcomes, mean operation time, union time, or complication rates. There were no cases of fracture nonunion in either group; heterotrophic ossification was found 3 patients in orthogonal plating group and 2 patients in parallel plating group. In our practice, no significant differences were found between the orthogonal and parallel plating methods in terms of clinical outcomes or complication rates. However, orthogonal plating method may be preferred in cases of coronal shear fractures, where posterior to anterior fixation may provide additional stability to the intraarticular fractures. Additionally, parallel plating method may be the preferred technique used for fractures that occur at the most distal end of the humerus.
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Eulji University College of Medicine, 1306 Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon, 302-799, Korea, sklee@eulji.ac.kr.
Sang Ki
SK
Lee
Kap Jung
KJ
Kim
Kyung Hoon
KH
Park
Won Sik
WS
Choy
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000009:adverse effects; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D057072:Intra-Articular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult; D000092464:Elbow Injuries