Elements for successful functional result after surgical treatment of intra-articular distal humeral fractures

Intra-articular distal humeral fractures (DHF) present great challenge to an orthopedic-trauma surgeon. We analyzed the relationship between functional results of DHF surgical treatment and elements that can affect patient recovery. During the 5-year follow-up study, 32 patients were treated for DHF at our Trauma Department, 30 of them by surgical procedure. Functional results of surgical treatment were scored according to the Jupiter criteria. According to the A-O classification of DHF, there were 11 type A fractures, 5 type B fractures and 14 type C fractures. Postoperative complications were infections, neural lesions, inadequate healing, and instability of osteosynthesis. Analysis of functional results in patients with operated C type fractures according to different elements influencing postoperative result revealed correct healing in 74% of patients, which was statistically significantly higher than the percentage of unsatisfactory results (p < 0.05). Study results provided evidence for patient age, sex, infection, neural function preservation, successful and rigid fixation, anatomical reconstruction of articular surface, and early rehabilitation to be significant elements for successful functional recovery.