Headless double-threaded compression screws plus microplate for capitellar fracture of Ring type Ⅱ / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical effects of headless double-threaded compression screws plus microplate for treatment of capitellar fracture of Ring type Ⅱ.Methods In the period from March 2015 to February 2018,12 capitellar fractures of Ring type Ⅱ were treated at Department of Upper limb Orthopedics,Zhengzhou Orthopaedics Hospital.There were 8 men and 4 women,aged from 25 to 57 years (average,35.4 years).There were 5 left and 7 right fractures.The fractures were exposed and reduced through the posterolateral elbow approach in 6 patients and through the lateral elbow approach in the other 6 ones.Fixation of all the fractures was conducted with headless double-threaded compression screws plus microplate.At the final follow-up,the elbow function was evaluated by the Mayo elbow performance score and the severity of traumatic arthritis by the Broberg & Morrey imaging criteria.Results All the patients were followed up for 9 to 36 months (average,23 months).The fracture healing time ranged from 9 to 12 weeks (average,10.6weeks).The final follow-ups revealed fine stability of the affected elbow joint in all the patients,and no loss of reduction,loosening or breakage of internal fixators or ischemic necrosis in any case.At the final follow-ups,the elbow inflection angles ranged from 90° to 130° (average,114.3°),the elbow extension angles from 0° to 20°(average,12.4°),the forearm pronation angles from 50° to 85° (average,70.5°) and the forearm supination angles from 45° to 80° (average,64.3°).The Mayo elbow performance scores at the final follow-up averaged 93.2points (from 85 to 100 points),yielding 8 excellent and 4 good cases.According to the Broberg & Morrey imaging criteria,10 patients showed no regressive change and 2 patients change by one grade.Conclusions A proper surgical approach should be chosen according to the preoperative imaging findings.The fracture of articular surface can be firmly fixated by head-less double-threaded compression screws and the integrity of the distal lateral column of the humerus can be restored with a microplate to achieve a strong biomechanical fixation.Fine clinical outcomes can be obtained by early functional exercise.