Outcome of type C (AO) distal humeral fractures: follow-up of 22 patients with bicolumnar plating osteosynthesis

Abstract

Background: In the last 40 years, 220 patients with type C distal humeral fractures (AO13-C1-3) were treated at our hospital operatively. Aim of this study is to present results of patients treated by dual plating osteosynthesis in the last decade and to compare them with our previous series (A-C).

Materials and methods: From 1999 to 2008, 48 distal humeral fractures were treated operatively by perpendicular dual plating osteosynthesis. Twenty-two patients (mean age 43.5 years) were available for follow-up. These patients were allocated on the basis of retrospective evaluation, exploration of their medical history, x-rays based on the AO-classification, and functional outcome using CASSEBAUM, JUPITER, and Quick-DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) scores.

Results: The dominant side was affecting in 42.9%. Transolecranon approach was chosen in 86.4%. Good/excellent results were found in 86.4% (CASSEBAUM) and 81.8% (JUPITER). Mean Quick-DASH was 36.1 ± 28.4. Mean range of motion (ROM) was 0/10.9°/128.2°. Mean hospitalization time was 12.9 days, 22.7% were polytrauma patients. Early mobilization was possible in 81.8%.

Conclusion: Early mobilization was possible in the majority of cases, which may be a prerequisite for satisfying functional results. Using new locking plates, early mobilization could be maintained even in an aging population.