Elbow Function and Complications after Internal Fixation for Fractures of the Distal Humerus

PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional results of the elbow and the complications after internal fixation for distal humeral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 38 distal humeral fractures; 12 type A, 7 type B and 19 type C by AO classification. There were six low columnar fractures in type A and nine in type C. Six type C fractures were open. The fracture healing and complications were assessed and the functional result was evaluated by rating system of Jupiter et al. RESULTS: Type A fractures were healed in an average of 10.6 weeks, type B 7.7 weeks and type C 11.5 weeks. Ulnar neuropathy occurred in six cases, loss of fixation in two cases, nonunion in one case, heterotopic ossification in one case and traumatic arthritis in one case. The functional result showed excellent or good in 34 cases (89%) and fair or poor in 4 cases (11%). Open fractures showed significantly worse result than closed fractures. CONCLUSION: To obtain the satisfactory results, stable fixation followed by early motion is required in most distal humeral fractures. Ulnar neuropathy occurs postoperatively in high incidence and the result of open fractures is worse than that of closed fractures.

Inlay Fibular Autograft and Helical LCP Fixation for a Segmental Comminuted Fracture of the Osteoporotic Proximal Humerus: A Case Report

Unstable fractures of the proximal humerus should be treated with precise reduction and stable fixation, and early joint motion should be permitted. But stable fixation of the proximal humerus is frequently difficult to obtain in older patients due to osteoporosis and fracture comminution. We treated one case of a segmental comminuted fracture of the proximal humerus with severe osteoporosis with a method of inlay fibular autograft and fixation with a helical locking compression plate (LCP). Stable fixation was obtained, so early motion of the shoulder joint was permitted. The fracture was healed in 12 weeks after the operation without loss of fixation and there were no problems at the donor site of the fibula. Functional recovery of the shoulder was satisfactory. The result of Neer's functional score was 87 points (satisfactory) and Constant score was 83 points.

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis in Unstable Fractures of the Distal Tibia

PURPOSE: evaluate the effectiveness of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in unstable fractures of the distal tibia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2001 to December 2003, 21 cases with unstable fractures of the distal tibia were treated with MIPO technique and followed for at least one year. Eighteen cases were extra-articular and three cases were intra-articular fractures. According to AO classification, six cases were 42-A, four 42-B, one 42-C, seven 43-A, and three 43-C. There was only one case of Gustilo-Anderson type II open fracture. We reviewed the results of fracture healing, axial and rotational deformity, ankle motion, and complications RESULTS: All fractures were healed in an average of 16.1 weeks (range, 11 to 24 weeks). There was only one case of 7-degree posterior angular deformity, but no cases of rotational malalignment. Recovery of ankle motion was satisfactory in all patients within 5-degree loss of motion. Subcutaneous abscess was developed in one case after fracture healing and cured by a drainage with implant removal. CONCLUSION: Although MIPO technique is technically more demanding than the traditional open technique, MIPO technique is an effective method for unstable fractures of the distal tibia because it minimizes incidence of soft-tissue compromise and infection and provides good fracture healing.