Open Access, Peer-reviewed, Quarterly
pISSN 1225-1682
eISSN 2287-9293
    J Korean Fract Soc. 2016 Jul;29(3):178-184. Korean.
    Published online Jul 21, 2016.
    https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2016.29.3.178
    Copyright © 2016 The Korean Fracture Society. All rights reserved.
    Original Article

    Orthogonal Locking Compression Plate Fixation for Distal Humeral Intraarticular Fractures

    Hyoung Keun Oh, M.D., Suk Kyu Choo, M.D., Kyoung Hwan Koh, M.D. and Ji Woong Yeom, M.D.
      • Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea.
    • Address reprint requests to: Hyoung Keun Oh, M.D. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, 170 Juhwa-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang 10380, Korea. Tel: 82-31-910-7968, Fax: 82-31-910-7967, Email: osd11@paik.ac.kr
    Received November 03, 2015; Revised December 02, 2015; Accepted May 23, 2016.

    This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

    Abstract

    Purpose

    To investigate the surgical outcomes of orthogonal locking compression plate fixation for distal humeral intraarticular fractures.

    Materials and Methods

    This study included 18 patients presenting a distal humeral intraarticular fracture who were treated with orthogonal locking compression plate fixation. According to the AO/OTA classification, there were eight C2 and ten C3 fractures. We evaluated radiologic outcomes, clinical results with range of motion, operation-related complications, and functional score by Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS).

    Results

    The a verage u nion t ime was 3.5 months, and there was no c ase of r eduction l oss of a rticular f racture at t he last follow-up. Additional surgical procedures were needed in the three cases of C3 fractures. There was one case of heterotrophic ossification and one case of K-wire irritation. The average range of motion of elbow joint was 7° to 122°, and functional results were graded as 14 excellent, three good, and one fair by MEPS.

    Conclusion

    Anatomical reduction and internal fixation with orthogonal locking compression plate could provide satisfactory surgical outcomes for the treatment of distal humeral intraarticular fracture.

    Keywords
    Humeral fracture; Intraarticular fracture; Fracture fixation

    Figures

    Fig. 1
    Plain antero-posterior (AP) X-ray (A) and 3-dimensional computed tomography image (B) of an 84-year-old male show C2 distal humeral intraarticular fracture. Articular fracture was fixed with 4.0 mm partial threaded cancellous screw and orthogonal locking plate fixation was performed without olecranon osteotomy. Last follow-up AP and lateral views (C, D) show solid bony union without implant loosening.

    Fig. 2
    (A) A case of comminuted intraarticular distal humeral fracture of a 33-year-old male. Plain X-ray and 3-dimensional computed tomography scans show intraarticular comminuted fracture. (B) Small comminuted articular fragments were fixed with 2.0 mm screws. Orthogonal locking plate fixation was performed and intercondylar fracture was fixed with K-wires and 2.7 mm locking head screw through the lateral plate.

    Fig. 3
    (A) A 30-year-old male suffered from open comminuted distal humeral fracture. Open reduction and plate fixation was performed (B), but after range of motion exercise, fixation loss occurred on lateral plate (C). (D) After additional plate fixation, solid bony union could be obtained.

    Notes

    Financial support:None.

    Conflict of interest:None.

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    MeSH Terms
    Classification
    Elbow
    Elbow Joint
    Follow-Up Studies
    Fracture Fixation
    Humans
    Humeral Fractures
    Intra-Articular Fractures*
    Range of Motion, Articular
    Metrics
    Share
    Figures
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