FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME FOLLOWING BI-COLUMNAR PLATING OF AO-TYPE 13C DISTAL HUMERUS FRACTURES.

ABSTRACT

Background: Intra articular fractures of the distal humerus are uncommon injuries and present the most difficult challenge among fractures of the distal end of the humerus. Objective of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome following bicolumnar plating of AO-Type 13C distal humerus fractures. A total of 20 int Materials and Methods: ra articular (AO TYPE C) distal humerus fractures were operated within a period of 2 years in KVG medical college and hospital Sullia were included in the study in which there were 12 males and 8 females.16 cases were due to RTA, 4 were due to self-fall, Out of 20 cases,1 (5%) was of AO C1 type of fracture, 16(80%) were of C2 and 3 (15%) were of C3 type of fractures. All the patients were operated with pre-countered distal humerus locking plates in orthogonal fashion and functional outcome was measured by Mayo's Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). In our series of 20 cases, the Results: average duration of the radiological union was 16±02 weeks. Excellent results were seen in 10, good in 6 and fair in 3, and poor in 1 According to Mayo's Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) at the end of 12 months follow up. Open reduct Conclusion: ion and internal fixation with bicolumnar plating is the ideal fixation for AO 13 type C distal humerus fractures. Use of locking plates, stable fixation, along with early elbow mobilization influence the final functional outcome. Bicolumnar plating provides better stability, allows early elbow range of motion and prevents elbow stiffness.