Posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) of distal third humeral shaft fractures with segmental isolation of the radial nerve.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of a cohort of patients with distal third humeral shaft fractures treated using a posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. Twenty-one patients were retrospectively evaluated, 13 men and 8 women with an average age of 37 years. The surgery was performed through two posterior incisions away from the fracture site. The radial nerve was identified and protected. The fracture was fixed with a narrow 4.5/5.0mm locking compression plate. After an average follow-up of 22 months, flexion-extension of the elbow was 138°±7°, with a range of motion of 131°. Shoulder motion was 160° in forward flexion, 59° in external rotation, and internal rotation was to the spinous process of 9th thoracic vertebra. Pain severity was 0.5 on the VAS. The DASH score was 9. Average Constant score was 84. MEPI was 97. Fracture union was obtained in all patients. One patient developed transient postoperative radial nerve palsy. These results demonstrate that the posterior MIPO technique is a reliable option for treating distal third humeral shaft fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Non-surgical functional treatment for displaced olecranon fractures in the elderly.

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of a consecutive cohort of patients aged > 70 years with a displaced fracture of the olecranon, which was treated non-operatively with early mobilisation. We identified 28 such patients (27 women) with a mean age of 82 years (71 to 91). The elbow was initially immobilised in an above elbow cast in 90° of flexion of the elbow for a mean of five days. The cast was then replaced by a sling. Active mobilisation was encouraged as tolerated. No formal rehabilitation was undertaken. At a mean follow-up of 16 months (12 to 26), the mean ranges of flexion and extension were 140° and 15° respectively. On a visual analogue scale of 1 (no pain) to 10, the mean pain score was 1 (0 to 8). Of the original 28 patients 22 developed nonunion, but no patients required surgical treatment. We conclude that non-operative functional treatment of displaced olecranon fractures in the elderly gives good results and a high rate of satisfaction.

[Dorsally displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures treated by locked palmar plate. Technique and results]. / Les fractures intraarticulaires du radius distal à déplacement postérieur traitées par plaque palmaire à stabilité angulaire. Technique et résultats.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of locked palmar plating in patients with articular fracture of the distal radius. METHODS: Twenty-two patients were reviewed retrospectively. The average age was 68 years. All fractures were classified as Type C according to the AO classification. Clinical and functional examination including range of motion, grip strength, pain and return to previous activities were assessed. Loss of radial height, radial inclination, palmar tilt and ulnar variance were evaluated with preoperative and postoperative radiographs. RESULTS: At an average follow-up of 10 months, the range of motion was 124 degrees in flexion and extension and 178 degrees in pronation and supination. Grip strength was 80% of the opposite side. Fifteen patients were free of pain. Three patients suffered tenosynovitis of the extensor tendons. Radiographic measurements averaged 11 mm radial height, 21 degrees radial inclination, 4 degrees palmar tilt and 1 mm ulnar variance. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study showed that locked palmar plating of articular distal radius fractures is effective even in cases of metaphyseal comminution with a low rate of complications.