Operative Treatment of Displaced Intercondylar Fracture of the Distal Humerus with Reconstruction Plate

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of chevron olecranon osteotomy and bilateral reconstruction plate as operative treatment for distal humerus intercondylar fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among patients operated for distal humerus intercondylar fracture in our hospital from June, 1997 to October, 2005, 26 patients were selected who could be followed-up for more than one year. The average follow-up period was 15 months. All olecranon osteotomies were chevron osteotomy and all fractures were treated with internal fixation using bilateral reconstruction plate. The ulnar nerve was checked in all cases. Three patients in which case the plate might irritate the ulnar nerve, received with ulnar nerve anterior transposition. Cassebaum's classification and Mayo elbow performance score were used to evaluate at three, six and twelve months. RESULTS: Mean bone union period was 11.7 weeks. There were 9 excellent cases, 11 good cases, 4 fair cases and 2 poor cases. Mean flexion contracture was 11° and further flexion was 126° at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Bilateral reconstruction plate internal fixation using chevron olecranon osteotomy showed strong fixation and good clinical results and it is possible for early rehabilitation treatment.