Treatment of Fracture Distal End Humerus with open Reduction and Internal Fixation with Plate Osteosynthesis

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Fractures of distal humerus represent one of the most complicated and challenging fractures in the upper
extremity. These are rare fractures. Most fractures involve the joint surface, significant proportions are open, and the
complex three-dimensional geometry of the distal humerus poses a considerable challenge to reconstruction.
Objectives: To study the treatment of fracture distal end humerus with open reduction and internal fixation with plate
osteosynthesis
Methods: A prospective study of 15 consecutive cases of intercondylar fractures of humerus treated by open reduction
and internal fixation over two and half years was conducted. These included 12 fresh cases and 3 old cases. Case wise
detailed study was done in 12 cases by noting the age, sex social status, nature of violence and the duration of injury,
information regarding medical problems and any local problems, in relation to bone and joint.
Results: At follow up, patients were assessed clinically and radiologically, most patients regained fair to good range of
motion obtained in 3 months time fracture was united in an average of a 10 weeks and olecranon osteotomy in an average
of 8 weeks. Patients were followed up for an average of 9 months, excellent results were found in five cases (33.33%).
Good results in five cases(33.33%) and fair results were obtained in three (20%) cases, poor results in two cases(13.33%)
Conclusion: Comminuted fractures of distal humerus in the hands of competent surgeon with open reduction, anatomic
assemblage and internal fixation of the fragments offer better results in majority of the cases. In young patients the results
are good and in old patients results fair probably because of good physiotherapy in young and also cartilage changes limit
the functional outcome in the old. Physiotherapy has a great role in the outcome of functional result.