Orthogonal Locking Compression Plate Fixation for Distal Humeral Intraarticular Fractures

Hyoung Keun Oh; Suk Kyu Choo; Kyoung Hwan Koh; Ji Woong Yeom

doi:10.12671/jkfs.2016.29.3.178

Journal List > J Korean Fract Soc > v.29(3) > 1038065

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Oh, Choo, Koh, and Yeom: Orthogonal Locking Compression Plate Fixation for Distal Humeral Intraarticular Fractures

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Fracture Society 2016; 29(3): 178-184.

Published online: 21 July 2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2016.29.3.178

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., 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, osd11@paik.ac.kr

Received 3 November 2015 Revised 2 December 2015 Accepted 23 May 2016

(open-access):

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 and Tables

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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