Outcomes Following Distal Humeral Fracture Fixation with an Extensor Mechanism-On Approach

Background Distal humeral fractures have traditionally been managed with surgical approaches that disrupt the extensor mechanism. We hypothesized that an extensor mechanism-on approach for operative fixation of distal humeral fractures with parallel or orthogonal plate constructs would allow excelle...

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Veröffentlicht in:Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume 2012, Vol.94 (6), p.548-553
Hauptverfasser: Erpelding, Jason M., MD, Mormino, Matthew A., MD, Fehringer, Edward V., MD, High, Robin, MBA, MA, Mailander, Adam, OTR/L
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Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Background Distal humeral fractures have traditionally been managed with surgical approaches that disrupt the extensor mechanism. We hypothesized that an extensor mechanism-on approach for operative fixation of distal humeral fractures with parallel or orthogonal plate constructs would allow excellent healing, a motion arc of the elbow exceeding 100°, and maintenance of extensor mechanism strength. Methods Distal humeral open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed with either orthogonal or parallel plate constructs in seventy-nine elbows. Thirty-seven elbows were fixed via an extensor mechanism-on surgical approach, and twenty-four of them were available for additional evaluation. Radiographs as well as MEPI (Mayo Elbow Performance Index), DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), and SF-36 (Short Form-36) scores were obtained. Results All thirty-seven fractures healed primarily. Three elbows underwent later release because of stiffness. The median arc of elbow motion was 126° (range, 60° to 141°). The mean MEPI was 91.5 points and the mean DASH score was 15.9 points, indicating excellent scores with mild impairment. The median percent loss of triceps strength was 10% (range, 0% to 49%) compared with the contralateral, normal elbow. Conclusions Open treatment of distal humeral fractures with an extensor mechanism-on approach results in excellent healing, a mean elbow flexion-extension arc exceeding 100°, and maintenance of 90% of elbow extension strength compared with that of the contralateral, normal elbow. Level of Evidence Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
ISSN:0021-9355
DOI:10.1016/S0021-9355(12)70180-7