ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of the treatment of intercondylar fractures of the humerus using Y-plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were 17 patients with intercondylar fracture of humerus who were treated using the Y-plate. Nine cases were C1 type, 4 were C2 type, and the remaining 4 were C3 type. 11 subjects had accompanying fractures of another part of the body. The average age was 48.8. The average follow up period was 33 months. We used Mayo Elbow Performance Score and Risborough-Radin's rating score for each patient as the methods of rating. RESULTS: The average range of motion of the elbow was 105 degrees (50~150 degrees). According to Cassebaum's classification for elbow range of motion, 7 cases were rated very good, 1 cases were good, 4 cases were fair, and 1 cases were poor. According to Mayo Elbow Performance Score, 7 were excellent, 7 were good, 2 fair, and 1 poor. Of the 3 patients who were fair or poor in Mayo Elbow Performance Score, 2 were type C3 fractures, and all 3 had major accompanying fractures. No significant postoperative complications developed in all cases. CONCLUSION: The fixation with Y-plate can still be a relatively good modality of treatment for interconylar fractures of the humerus in selected cases, in spite of the known mechanical weakness of the Y-plate. The patients with severe intra-articular comminution showed relatively poor results. And we think that the age of the patient and the energy of the injury have more or less influence on the results of treatment.
Subject(s)
Humans , Classification , Elbow , Follow-Up Studies , Humerus , Postoperative Complications , Range of Motion, ArticularABSTRACT
[Objective]To explore the methods and effects of closed reduction and percutaneous internal fixation to treat intercondylar fractures of humerus.[Method]From 2001,3 to 2004,9 we selectively treated 6 cases(group A) of Rise-Borough Ⅱ,Ⅲ type of humeral intercondylar fractures with closed reduction and percutaneous internal fixation with hollow screw and Kirschner's wire.Others(group B) treated with opened reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws.[Result]Following up 6～12 months,the outcome were evaluated with Aitken and Rorabeek rating system.Group A:5 patients were graded as excellent,1 as good.Group B:7 patients were graded as excellent,7 as good,1 as fair,1 as poor.[Conclusion]To treat Rise-Borough Ⅱ,Ⅲ type of humeral intercondylar fractures with closed reduction and percutaneous internal fixation with hollow screw and Kirschner's wire,can decrease iatrogenic impairment,receive reliable fixation and early functional exercise.The fracture union quickly,and the patient has excellent joint function and less postoperative complication.
ABSTRACT
Objective A biomechanical comparison of three kinds of internal fixation for intercondylar fracture of humerus was, made so as to provide a theoretical basis for clinical practice. Methods 18 fresh humeri were used to reproduce T-type intercondylar fracture, and three different fixation appliances were applied, including cross Kirschner wire with addition of “8” wire, single “Y” type plate, 1/3 tubular plate with reconstruction plate. Biomechanical tests were performed on these specimens. Result Under the same load condition, 1/3 tubular plate with reconstruction plate yielded the best results, while crossing Kirschner wire with “8” wire was the poorest. Conclusion The results showed that 1/3 tubular plate with reconstruction plate was a good internal fixation appliance. It has a proper design and stability, but it is not easy to apply. Therefore, an optimal method should be chosen according to local condition in clinical practice.