The olecranon osteotomy provides better outcome than the triceps-lifting approach for the treatment of distal humerus fractures.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Intra-articular distal humeral fractures can be approached in a variety of ways. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the functional outcomes of two approaches: approach with olecranon osteotomy and triceps-lifting approach for the treatment of intra-articular distal humeral fractures.

METHODS:

This study shows a consecutive series of 54 intra-articular distal humeral fractures of 54 patients who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with anatomic plating. Lateral plating was performed in 10 (45.5 %) patients, and medial and lateral parallel plating was performed in 12 (54.5 %) patients in olecranon osteotomy group, while lateral plating was performed in 8 (25 %) patients, and medial and lateral parallel plating was performed in 24 (75 %) patients in triceps-lifting group.

RESULTS:

Mean follow-up was 38.3 months for olecranon osteotomy group and 41.4 months for triceps-lifting group. Functional outcomes according to MAYO elbow score and extension-flexion motion arc values were significantly better in olecranon osteotomy group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Approach with olecranon osteotomy provided better functional outcomes than triceps-lifting approach. Additionally, intra-articular distal humerus fractures can be safely treated with olecranon osteotomy which provides more control over the elbow joint and better visualisation and allows early postoperative rehabilitation.

• Authors: Mehmet Elmadag, Mehmet Erdil, Kerem Bilsel, Mehmet Ali Acar, Nejat Tuncer, Ibrahim Tuncay
• Journal: European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie (Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol) Vol. 24 Issue 1 Pg. 43-50 (Jan 2014) ISSN: 1432-1068 [Electronic] France
• PMID: 23412273 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Bone Plates (adverse effects)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Fracture Fixation, Internal (adverse effects, methods)
• Humans
• Humeral Fractures (surgery)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscle, Skeletal (surgery)
• Olecranon Process (surgery)
• Osteotomy (adverse effects, methods)
• Range of Motion, Articular
• Retrospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome