Fractura de capitellum en el adulto / Capitellum fracture in adults

Introducción: La fractura del extremo distal del húmero afecta la superficie articular y puede provocar incapacidad biomecánica de la articulación si no se trata adecuadamente. Objetivo: Presentar una paciente con fractura del capitellum, tratada mediante osteosíntesis. Presentación del caso: Paciente femenina de 49 años que se cayó sobre su mano en extensión. Presentó dolor intenso en el codo izquierdo y se le diagnosticó una fractura del capitellum desplazada. Se trató con osteosíntesis. Conclusiones: El tratamiento mediante osteosíntesis de la fractura del capitellum constituye la mejor opción para la rápida rehabilitación del paciente(AU)

Introduction: The fracture of the distal end of the humerus affects the articular surface and it can cause biomechanical disability of the joint if it is not treated properly. Objective: To report the case of a patient with capitellum fracture, treated by osteosynthesis. Case report: This is the case of a 49-year-old female patient who fell on her outstretched hand. She complained of severe pain in her left elbow and she was diagnosed with a displaced capitellum fracture. The pateinmet was treated with osteosynthesis. Conclusions: The treatment by osteosynthesis of the capitellum fracture is the best option for the rapid rehabilitation of the patient(AU)

Outcome analysis of extraarticular distal humerus locking plate for fresh fractures of humerus shaft

Background: The complex anatomy of distal humerus with proximity of radial nerve make the exposure and fixation of these fractures difficult. The standard technique of plate osteosynthesis consider at least eight cortices hold in both distal and proximal ends. Obeying these principles becomes difficult in distal humerus fractures. These difficulties have been overcome with the use of anatomical extra-articular distal humerus plate which has more hole density in the distal part with 3.5 mm screws for greater hold in distal part.Methods: A prospective study was carried out at Institute of Medical Sciences BHU Trauma Centre for 19 cases of distal third fracture excluding open fractures of patients between 18-68 years who attended our OPD or Emergency from June 2017 to July 2019. All patients were operated with the triceps-reflecting modified posterior approach. Regular follow-up was done to evaluate elbow functionality, fracture union, secondary displacement, non-union, implant failure and any complications; Mayo Elbow Performance score (MEPS) was used for the final functional assessment.Results: Fourteen 73.6% male and 5 (26.3%) female patients with mean age 41 years constituted the study group, who had an average follow-up of 17.1 months. Preoperatively one patient had radial nerve palsy (neuropraxia) who recovered completely 3 months after surgery. Overall, 18 (94.7%) patients were adjudged to have complete radiological union within 14 weeks; Mean flexion achieved was 134±11.5 (range 90–140). Average MEPS at the latest follow-up was 94.7±7.5.Conclusions: Extra-articular fractures of distal humerus can be satisfactorily treated with the use of single anatomically pre-contoured locking compression plate with excellent elbow functional range of motion and union rates.

Fractura compleja de codo / Complex elbow fracture

Resumen: Las fracturas de codo son secundarias a traumatismos de baja y alta energía, afectan el extremo distal del húmero, olécranon, cabeza radial o una combinación de las anteriores. Las fracturas complejas de codo dificultan la reducción y su posterior fijación, lo que representa un reto para el ortopedista. Es esencial el uso de auxiliares diagnósticos como la tomografía axial computarizada para su diagnóstico y posterior tratamiento. En la actualidad, las nuevas tendencias en la fijación de las mismas y los diversos implantes con los que se cuenta pueden mejorar el pronóstico del paciente. Se presentan dos casos clínicos de fracturas complejas de codo tratadas mediante osteosíntesis.

Abstract: Elbow fractures are secondary to low or high energy trauma affecting the distal humerus, olecranon, radial head or a combination of the above. Complex fractures of the elbow complicate the reduction and its subsequent fixation representing a real challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. It is essential the use of diagnostic aids such as computerized axial tomography for diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Currently new trends in the fixation of the same and the various implants with which it is counted, can improve improve the patient's prognosis. We present two clinical cases of complex elbow fractures treated by osteosynthesis.

Effectiveness of total elbow arthroplasty with preservation of triceps brachii insertion approach / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) with preservation of triceps brachii insertion approach. Methods: Between January 2012 and September 2017, 17 patients with elbow disease were treated with TEA with preservation of triceps brachii insertion approach. There were 3 males and 14 females, with an average age of 65.2 years (range, 48-85 years). The injuries located on left elbow in 5 cases and on right elbow in 12 cases. There were 11 cases of distal humerus fracture (AO type C1 in 2 cases and type C3 in 9 cases); the interval between fracture and operation was 3-10 days (mean, 4.1 days). There were 3 cases of osteoarthritis and 3 cases of rheumatoid arthritis, with the disease duration of 2-26 years (mean, 8.7 years). The postoperative elbow function and pain was assessed by Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) score, respectively. The prosthesis position, heterotopic ossification, and periprosthetic fracture were observed by X-ray films. Results: All incisions healed by first intention. Sixteen patients were followed up 18-69 months (mean, 40.6 months). Intraoperative ulnar nerve injury occurred in 2 cases, and healed after symptomatic treatment. At last follow-up, the MEPS score was 55-100 (mean, 90.3). The results were excellent in 11 cases, good in 2 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 81.3%. The VAS score was 0-2 (mean, 0.4). X-ray reexamination showed that no polyethylene wear, prosthesis loosening and fracture, abnormal prosthesis position, periprosthetic fracture occurred during the follow-up period, and the prosthesis survival rate was 100%. Heterotopic ossification occurred in 2 and 3 months after operation in 2 cases, respectively. Conclusion: The triceps on approach for TEA are satisfactory for distal humerus fracture, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment of distal humerus fracture with unexposed ulnar nerve medial elbow incision and anatomical locking compression plate / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of unexposed ulnar nerve medial elbow incision, open reduction and internal fixation of anatomical locking compression plate (LCP) for distal humerus fractures. Methods: Fourteen patients with distal humerus fracture were treated between January 2014 and June 2017. There were 5 males and 9 females, aged 18-85 years (mean, 65.5 years). The causes of injury included falling from height in 12 cases and traffic accident in 2 cases, all were closed fractures. Fractures were classified according to the AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF): 3 cases of type A2, 2 cases of type A3, 4 cases of type B2, 2 cases of type C1, 2 cases of type C2, and 1 case of type C3; without ulnar nerve damage. The time from injury to operation was 4-15 days, with an average of 7 days. The type B2 fractures were treated with unexposed ulnar nerve elbow medial incision and anatomic LCP internal fixation, the rest patients were all treated with unexposed ulnar nerve medial plus conventional lateral approach and bilateral LCP internal fixation. Results: The operation time was 50-140 minutes (mean, 80 minutes), and the intraoperative blood loss was 20-200 mL (mean, 70 mL). There was no blood vessels or nerve damage during operation. All incisions healed by first intension, and no incision infection occurred. All the 14 cases were followed up 9-24 months (mean, 13 months). X-ray films showed that all fractures healed within 4 months without complications such as nonunion and osteomyelitis. No ulnar nerve injury, cubitus varus deformity, and ossifying myositis occurred during follow-up. At last follow-up, the elbow function was assessed by Mayo Elbow Performance score (MEPS), the results were excellent in 8 cases, good in 4 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case (type C3 fracture), with the excellent and good rate of 85.7%. Conclusion: The unexposed ulnar nerve medial elbow incision can be used effectively to reduct the fracture, and it is not prone to ulnar nerve injury. Combined with the lateral approach to treat the distal humerus fracture, which has the advantages of short operation time, few trauma, little bleeding, and reliable effectiveness.

Clinical Results of Supracondylar Dome Osteotomy for Cubitus Varus and Valgus Deformities in Adults

BACKGROUND: Cubitus varus and cubitus valgus deformities are common complications of distal humeral fractures in children. We evaluated the usefulness of supracondylar dome osteotomy as a treatment option for adults with cubitus varus or valgus deformity developed during childhood. METHODS: Ten patients who had received supracondylar dome osteotomy and stabilization with plates to treat cubitus varus or valgus deformity between July 2006 and August 2013 were included in this study. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 36.50 ± 10.22 years. The mean follow-up duration was 54.80 ± 32.50 months. We evaluated humerus-elbow-wrist angles (HEWA), improvements in the lateral prominence index (LPI) or medial prominence index (MPI), Mayo elbow performance scores (MEPS), and overall results in accordance with the Banerjee criteria. RESULTS: For the six patients with cubitus varus, the mean postoperative HEWA, mean correction angle, and mean improvement in LPI were 9.72°± 3.95°, 27.67°± 10.75°, and 6.92% ± 3.40%, respectively. For the four patients with cubitus valgus, the mean postoperative HEWA, mean correction angle, and mean improvement in MPI were 14.73°± 2.97°, 11.55°± 3.26°, and 11.33% ± 6.39%, respectively. There was no significant difference between postoperative and preoperative mean MEPS. The subjective ulnar nerve symptoms were alleviated in all patients. The overall results were excellent in six and good in four patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that supracondylar dome osteotomy with secure fixation using double plates may be useful in correcting cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity, yielding good functional outcomes in adults.

Clinical Results of Supracondylar Dome Osteotomy for Cubitus Varus and Valgus Deformities in Adults

BACKGROUND: Cubitus varus and cubitus valgus deformities are common complications of distal humeral fractures in children. We evaluated the usefulness of supracondylar dome osteotomy as a treatment option for adults with cubitus varus or valgus deformity developed during childhood. METHODS: Ten patients who had received supracondylar dome osteotomy and stabilization with plates to treat cubitus varus or valgus deformity between July 2006 and August 2013 were included in this study. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 36.50 ± 10.22 years. The mean follow-up duration was 54.80 ± 32.50 months. We evaluated humerus-elbow-wrist angles (HEWA), improvements in the lateral prominence index (LPI) or medial prominence index (MPI), Mayo elbow performance scores (MEPS), and overall results in accordance with the Banerjee criteria. RESULTS: For the six patients with cubitus varus, the mean postoperative HEWA, mean correction angle, and mean improvement in LPI were 9.72° ± 3.95°, 27.67° ± 10.75°, and 6.92% ± 3.40%, respectively. For the four patients with cubitus valgus, the mean postoperative HEWA, mean correction angle, and mean improvement in MPI were 14.73° ± 2.97°, 11.55° ± 3.26°, and 11.33% ± 6.39%, respectively. There was no significant difference between postoperative and preoperative mean MEPS. The subjective ulnar nerve symptoms were alleviated in all patients. The overall results were excellent in six and good in four patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that supracondylar dome osteotomy with secure fixation using double plates may be useful in correcting cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity, yielding good functional outcomes in adults.

Treatment of Non-union Distal Humerus Fractures after Operation

PURPOSE: This study is a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone surgical treatment for non-union of distal humerus fracture. We evaluated them in terms of causes of injury, radiologic findings, and clinical outcomes such as prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven consecutive radiologic patients who were confirmed to have nonunion of a distal humerus fracture underwent reoperations. These patients had already undergone operations for distal humerus fractures. This survey was held from 2005 to 2010. The average period up to diagnosis of non-union after the first operation was 7.4 months (4 to 16 months). The mean follow-up period was 24.6 months (12 to 65 months). Each patient was graded functionally according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score. RESULTS: Osteosynthesis was performed by internal fixation with plates and screws and then a bone graft for non-union of the distal humerus fracture. The average range of motion within the elbow joints was found to be a flexion contracture of 18.8 degrees (0~30 degrees) and further flexion of 120.2 degrees (102~140 degrees). Among postoperative complications, three cases of medium-degree stiffness, two cases of medial column nonunion, and one case of dissociation of the internal fixator were reported. CONCLUSION: Stable internal fixation for maintenance reduction status is essential after accurate initial anatomical reduction. We concluded that nonunion could be prevented by additional surgical treatment such as autogenous bone graft, if it is necessary.

Double Parallel Plates Fixation for Distal Humerus Fractures

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of fixation of distal humerus fractures using recently-introduced double parallel plate system in sagittal plane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2004 to June 2008, seventeen patients with distal humerus fractures underwent primary open reduction and internal fixation with double parallel plates. According to the AO classification, there were 2 A3, 2 C1, 7 C2, and 6 C3 type fractures. Outcome assessment was performed by using the Mayo Elbow Performance index (MEPI). RESULTS: At a mean follow up of 18 (range, 12 to 32) months, 4 patients were rated as excellent, 8 as good, and 5 as fair in terms of MEPI. The average arc of elbow flexion after primary operation was 116 (range, 90~140) degrees with a mean flexion contracture of 13 (range, 0 to 30) degrees. One patient required reoperation due to fixation failure and six patients underwent capsulolysis and three patients underwent ulnar nerve neurolysis. The time to begin elbow motion exercise had negative correlation with total elbow range of motion and multiple trauma patients had significantly lower MEPI functional score compared to those without combined injury. CONCLUSION: Double parallel plating allowed adequate fixation for distal humerus fractures regardless of patient age and fracture pattern. Partial ankylosis and unlar nerve compression symptoms were the main causes of reoperation.

Treatment in Distal Humerus Fracture with Anatomical Y Plate

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of this modified anatomical Y-plate in treatment of distal humerus fracture and factors that affect the results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 1991 to January 2002, 40 cases (16 male, 24 female) of distal humeral fractures were treated using a modified anatomical Y plate. The patient's age, gender, pain, range of motion, instability, function, bone union, and complication were recorded. RESULTS: At the operation, the mean age of patients is 49.5 years (12~74 years) and mean follow up period is 18 months (13~82 months). In the range of motion, mean flexion is 122.1 degrees (75~140 degrees) and mean flexion contracture is 11.4 degrees (0~30 degrees). Results by Morrey's functional evaluation include 15 excellent, 23 good and 2 fair cases. There are 2 excellent and 5 good cases in patients of supracondylar fracture which didn't involve the articular surface (A2, A3 type of AO classification), and 13 excellent, 18 good and 2 fair cases in patients of intracondylar fracture which involve the articular surface (B2, C1, C2, C3 type). But there is no statistical significance in results between two groups. There are 3 excellent, 3 good cases in 6 open fracture and 2 excellent, 6 good and 1 fair case in 9 patients with multiple trauma. The patient's age, gender, open fracture, multiple trauma, and intraarticular fracture did not affect the results. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory results can be obtained if the modified anatomical Y-plate is used to treat a distal humerus fracture, regardless of many factors affecting the results.