Distal Humerus Fractures: Open Reduction Internal Fixation.
Distal humerus fractures are challenging injuries for the upper extremity surgeon. However, recent techniques in open reduction internal fixation have been powerful tools in getting positive outcomes. To get such results, the surgeon must be aware of how to properly use these techniques in their respective practices. The method of fixation depends on the fracture, taking the degree of comminution and the restoration of the columns and articular surface into account. This article helps surgeons understand the concepts behind open reduction internal fixation of the distal humerus and makes them aware of pitfalls that may lead to negative results.
The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 400 Silver Cedar Court, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of South Florida, 13220 USF Laurel Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Florida Orthopaedic Institute, 13020 Telecom Parkway North, Tampa, FL 33637, USA; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. Electronic address: saskiavm@aol.com.
Mark A
MA
Mighell
Florida Orthopaedic Institute, 13020 Telecom Parkway North, Tampa, FL 33637, USA.
Brent
B
Stephens
Florida Orthopaedic Institute, 13020 Telecom Parkway North, Tampa, FL 33637, USA.
Geoffrey P
GP
Stone
Foundation for Orthopaedic Research and Education, 13020 Telecom Parkway North, Tampa, FL 33637, USA.
Benjamin J
BJ
Cottrell
D001860:Bone Plates; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000601:surgery*; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D010027:Osteotomy; D056888:Patient Positioning; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011300:Preoperative Care; D014457:Ulna / Q000601:surgery; D020424:Ulnar Neuropathies / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
Distal humerus fracture; Fracture fixation; Open reduction internal fixation; Orthogonal plates; Parallel plates; Plate fixation