title: Distal third humeri fractures treated using the Synthes™ 3.5-mm extra-articular distal humeral locking compression plate: clinical, radiographic and patient outcome scores.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Conventional management protocols for distal humeral extra-articular fractures (e.g. conservative, double columnar plating) are often associated with complications. We aimed to describe our experience of using the Synthes™ 3.5-mm extra-articular distal humeral locking compression plate for treatment of extra-articular distal humeral fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively studied 23 consecutive patients who underwent fixation, in a tertiary trauma centre, over 2 years. Data, including patient demographics, duration of follow-up, patient satisfaction, visual analogue score (VAS), Oxford Elbow Score, and final outcome on discharge, were collected and analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 23 patients (12 males, 11 females; mean age 47.5 years; range 18 years to 89 years), all fractures united radiologically and clinically after the index procedure, with a mean time to fracture union of 15.7 weeks (range 9 weeks to 34 weeks) and a mean time to discharge of 17.8 weeks (range 13 weeks to 34 weeks). Oxford Elbow Score was 36.5 (range 11 to 48) at 4.6 months postoperatively; at 20 months follow-up, it was 40 (range 14 to 48) and the VAS was 8.5 (range 5 to 10). One patient had radial nerve neuropraxia pre-operatively, and one postoperatively, and both recovered uneventfully 3 months postoperatively. Neither superficial, nor deep infections were observed in this cohort.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study reports satisfactory outcome with the usage of the Synthes plate for extra-articular fracture management. It has become the technique of choice in our centre because it provides excellent results.
authors: University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
authors: Hassan
authors: H
authors: Fawi
authors: University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Lewis
authors: University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
authors: Prasad
authors: P
authors: Rao
authors: University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
authors: Dan
authors: D
authors: Parfitt
authors: University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
authors: Khitish
authors: K
authors: Mohanty
authors: University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
authors: Adel
authors: A
authors: Ghandour
keywords: Distal humerus; Synthes LCP DHP; extra-articular distal humeral fracture; radial nerve neuropraxia