The use of unilateral external fixators in treatment of distal shaft fractures of humerus / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To retrospectively analyze the results of unilater al external fixators in the treatment of the distal third fractures of humeral s hafts. Methods From October 1997 to October 2002, 33 patients from 15y-70y (ave rage 31y) with the distal third fractures of humeral shafts were treated with un ilateral external fixators. They included 3 transverses fractures, 1 oblique fra cture, 9 spiral fractures and 20 comminuted fractures. 15 cases were treated wit h open reduction and fixation with external fixators and limited internal fixati on, 10 cases were treated with open reduction and fixation with external fixator s, and 9 cases were treated with closed reduction and fixation with external fix ators. 9 cases with radial nerve injury undewent nerve exploration. External fix ators were removed after bone healing. Duration of follow-up was 8 to 24 m (ave rage 18 m). Results The time of bone healing was 11 to 22 w (average 14 w). At t he latest follow-up, the function of injured radial nerves in 9 preoperative ca ses and 2 postoperative cases and the motion function of elbow were restored to normal. There were only 7 cases of superficial pin site infection which were cur ed with oral antibiotics and pin site care with mild disinfectants. Conclusion U nilateral external fixators can play special roles and have good results in the treatment of the distal third fractures of humeral shafts, combined with open re duction and limited internal fixation.