Complex fractures of the distal humerus in the elderly: primary total elbow arthroplasty or open reduction and internal fixation? Mid-term follow-up

Objective To compare the mid-term outcomes in intra-articular distal humerus fracture (AO/OTA type C) treated with either open reduction–internal fixation (ORIF) or total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in patients older than 75 years and with more than five years of follow-up. Methods Retrospective study including 24 patients (11 TEA vs. 13 ORIF) with a mean age of 82 years and being all females. Results assessed included (1) radiographic measures; (2) functional results: range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), quick-DASH; and (3) complications. Results TEA group vs. ORIF group achieved a mean flexion of 117° ± 9.6° vs. 106° ± 14°, extension loss of 38° ± 17° vs. 30.8° ± 16°, pronation 75° ± 5° vs. 85° ± 7° and supination 75° ± 4° vs. 70° ± 5°. Mean MEPS score was 71.6 vs. 83.6 ( p = .183) and mean quick-DASH was 44.8 vs. 42.6 ( p = .789). All 13 patients in the ORIF group demonstrated radiographic signs of bone union and none underwent conversion to TEA. Sixty-three percent of the patients in the TEA group underwent re-operation at an average of 72 months (62.4–75.2 months), including three for periprosthetic fracture and four for implant loosening. Whereas in the ORIF group, 23% of the patients were re-operated upon excluding olecranon osteotomy hardware, two for stiffness, and one for an olecranon tension band wire failure. Conclusions Although there were no differences in mid-term functional outcomes between either treatment, our results suggest that the recent trend towards the use of TEA instead of ORIF in the elderly should be re-examined due to the high rate of complications beyond five years of follow-up with TEA.