ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of fixation of AO/OTA type C2 fractures among intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus using the paratricipital approach (side to side retraction of the triceps). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2008 to January 2018, 12 patients underwent an open reduction and internal fixation with the paratricipital approach and were followed-up for more than 10 months after surgery. According to the AO/OTA classification, type C2 fractures were chosen among the intraarticular distal humerus fractures. An extended posterior incision was used over the olecranon in the prone position, preserving the insertion site of the triceps brachii muscle. The fracture site was exposed by retracting the muscle side-to side through a dissection of the medial and lateral intermuscular septum of the triceps brachii muscle. The therapeutic results were assessed by the anatomical reduction of the articular surface and integrity of the metaphyseal contour in postoperative simple radiographs, complications, such as neuropathy or non-union, and the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) were checked to estimate the functional outcome. RESULTS: In the postoperative simple radiographs, no case showed more than 1 mm step-off and the disrupted contour of the distal humerus was recovered to normal alignment in most cases. The range of elbow joint motion in the last follow-up was 133.8° on average with a mean flexion contracture of 5.0°. The clinical results depending on the MEPS were excellent, except for two cases, which were good. Neuropathy of the ulnar nerve was observed in one patient, which was resolved after metal removal. CONCLUSION: The paratricipital approach is useful technique in AO/OTA type C2 intra-articular distal humerus fractures that provides sufficient exposure of the surgical field, without injury to the triceps brachii muscle and postoperative complications associated with the trans-olecranon approach.
Subject(s)
Humans , Classification , Contracture , Elbow , Elbow Joint , Follow-Up Studies , Humerus , Intra-Articular Fractures , Olecranon Process , Postoperative Complications , Prone Position , Ulnar NerveABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes, including the complications, of open reduction and internal fixation using a headless cannulated compression screw for a fifth metatarsal base fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 11 patients with 5th metatarsal base fracture who were treated with a headless cannulated compression screw. The mean follow-up period was 13 months (8~15 months), and the mean age was 46.5 years (21~70 years). We analyzed the patients' sex, age, time to union, amount of fracture displacement, and complications. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score was used for clinical assessment. RESULTS: The average amount of displacement decreased significantly from 3.4 mm (2.1~5.2 mm), preoperatively, to 0.4 mm (0~1.3 mm), postoperatively (p<0.001). The average bone union time was 54.1 days (41~68 days). There were no complications, such as a metal failure, irritation, and loss of a reduction. The mean AOFAS midfoot score was 97.7 (90~100) at 6 months, postoperatively. CONCLUSION: We suggest that a headless cannulated compression screw for 5th metatarsal base fracture is a useful and alternative method for a firm fixation without complications.