Treatment in Distal Humerus Fracture with Anatomical Y Plate

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of this modified anatomical Y-plate in treatment of distal humerus fracture and factors that affect the results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 1991 to January 2002, 40 cases (16 male, 24 female) of distal humeral fractures were treated using a modified anatomical Y plate. The patient's age, gender, pain, range of motion, instability, function, bone union, and complication were recorded. RESULTS: At the operation, the mean age of patients is 49.5 years (12~74 years) and mean follow up period is 18 months (13~82 months). In the range of motion, mean flexion is 122.1 degrees (75~140 degrees) and mean flexion contracture is 11.4 degrees (0~30 degrees). Results by Morrey's functional evaluation include 15 excellent, 23 good and 2 fair cases. There are 2 excellent and 5 good cases in patients of supracondylar fracture which didn't involve the articular surface (A2, A3 type of AO classification), and 13 excellent, 18 good and 2 fair cases in patients of intracondylar fracture which involve the articular surface (B2, C1, C2, C3 type). But there is no statistical significance in results between two groups. There are 3 excellent, 3 good cases in 6 open fracture and 2 excellent, 6 good and 1 fair case in 9 patients with multiple trauma. The patient's age, gender, open fracture, multiple trauma, and intraarticular fracture did not affect the results. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory results can be obtained if the modified anatomical Y-plate is used to treat a distal humerus fracture, regardless of many factors affecting the results.