A Study on surgical management of distal humerus fractures in adults by open reduction and internal fixation

• Main Author: Koner Rao T1 , Nagendra Babu M2 , Karthik Reddy R3 ,Krishna Kumar V4
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences 2019-08-01
• Series: Perspectives In Medical Research
• Subjects: distal humerus fracture; cassebaum’s scale; open reduction and internal fixation; dual plates; ao: arbeitsgemeinschaft fur osteosynthesefragen
• Online Access: http://www.pimr.org.in/2019-vol7-issue-2/KoneruRao_v2.PDF
• ISSN: 2348-1447; 2348-229X

Distal humerus fractures represent one of the most complicated and challenging fractures in the upper extremity. Distal humerus fractures in adults are difficult fractures to treat because of significant comminution and they are rare fractures which prevents the individual surgeon from accumulating sufficient personal experience to critically evaluate the results of the treatment. Aims & Objectives: 1. To evaluate the role of operative management in distal humerus fractures. 2. To follow up & evaluate results on patients operated upon and note the functional outcome and complications. Patients and Methods: The present study is a prospective study of 30 cases of Distal humerus fractures (AO Type 13.A, 13.B and 13.C, 12 male and 18 females, age ranging from 20 to 70) treated by open reduction and internal fixation over two years, from September 2016 to August 2018 was conducted in department of orthopaedics, Prathima institute of medical sciences, Karimnagar. All patients were selected among admissions, operated and results were assessed clinically and radiographically. The functional evaluation of the results Cassebaum’s scale has been chosen. The follow up period ranges with average of 7 months and patients were assessed for functional capacity and radiological fracture healing capacity periodically every 4 – 6 weeks and complications noted. Results: Outcome of surgical management of distal humerus fractures in adults by open reduction and interal fixation was evaluated using Cassebaum scale it was observed that 47% cases presented with excellent outcome, 30% cases presented with good outcome, 20% cases presented with fair outcome, 1% cases presented with poor outcome. In the present study 7% patients had superficial wound infections with hardware pain and 7% patients had presented with hardware pain and 3% delayed union 3% ulnar neuropathy, respectively. Conclusion: The concept of open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the distal humerus with dual plates is very valuable, in restoring articular surface and early rehabilitation which decreases morbidity, resulting good functional outcome.