title: Distal humerus fractures: a review of current therapy concepts.
abstract: Fractures of the distal humerus in the adult comprise approximately one third of all humeral fractures. Successful management of distal humerus fractures depends on correct reduction of the fracture, reconstruction of the articular surface if needed, stability and rigidity of the fixation, and appropriate rehabilitation. In this review, we evaluated the available literature and highlighted current therapy concepts. We assessed the evolution of internal fixation and elbow arthroplasty focusing on the established surgical approaches against the background of a growing incidence of distal humeral fractures in an aging patient population. Therefore evaluating the aspect and influence of age-dependent comorbidities like osteoporosis on successful treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstr. 21, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Steinitz
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Amir
authors.affiliation: Department of Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstr. 21, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Sailer
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jannis
authors.affiliation: Department of Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstr. 21, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Rikli
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Daniel
keywords: Distal humerus fracture; Elbow arthroplasty; Osteoporosis; Parallel plating; Surgical approaches