Lateral Plate Fixation in Intercondylar Fracture of the Humerus

Yang, Kyu Hyun; Park, Seong Jin; Park, Si Yong

Abstract

PURPOSE
We reviewed the efficiency of the lateral plate fixation in 15 cases of intercondylar fracture of the humerus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifteen patients was treated by open reduction and internal fixation with lateral plate for intercondyle fracture of humerus. Plate was applied along the lateral aspect of the lateral column and lag screw was inserted in the medial column through the plate. When instability of the medial column was persisted after lateral plating, medial plate was applied posteriorly.
RESULTS
There were nine C2 fracture and six C3 fracture by AO/ASIF classification. All of them had comminution at the lateral column. All fractures united at 18.7 weeks in average (range, 10-28 weeks) . Seven cases presented limitation of motion of the elbow joint and five of them underwent adhesiolysis of elbow joint. Finally, range of motion of the elbow joint was flexion contracture 16 degree to further flexion 127 degree in average. Elbow function was classified as thirteen excellent or good, one fair, and one poor.
CONCLUSION
In this study, lateral plating with or without medial plate provided suffient rigidity for early motion and was worthful for treatment of the comminuted intercondylar fracture of the humerus.