Dual Plate Osteosynthesis for Distal Humeral Fractures

Oh, Chang Wu; Kyung, Hee Soo; Kim, Pook Taek; Park, Il Hyung; Choi, Yeong Chul

Abstract

PURPOSE
: The purpose of this pater was to evaluate results of double plate osteosynthesis in distal humerus fractures. MATERIAL AND METHOD : From June1995 to August 1998, we reviewed 22 distal humerus fractures. According to the type of fractures(AO classification), 6 and 16 cases were type A and C respectively. According to surgical approach, transolecranon approach was done in 12 cases and triceps split approach in 10 cases. We fixed intercondylar fracture with lag screw and supracondylar fracture with dual plate(2 reconstruction plates or 1 reconstruction plate + 1/3 tubular plate) as right angle. Rehabilitation was started just after postoperative 24 hours with posterior splint, and then increase activity and frequency.
RESULTS
: Average union time was 11.5 weeks. Overall functional results according to the classification of Jupiter and Cassebaum were excellent, good, fair, poor in 8, 10, 3, 1 cases, respectively. According to the age, patients under 50-year-old group revealed slightly superior functional. According to the type of fracture, surgical approach, interval between injury and approach, there were no statistically significant difference between group(p>0.05). There were 5 cases with complications. 1 case was mental failure, 3 cases were ulnar palsy, and 1 case was transient radial nerve palsy.
CONCLUSION
: We consider dual plate osteosynthesis in distal humerus fractures as a good treatment modality, even in type C fractures and old age patients.