Parallel versus orthogonal plate osteosynthesis of adult distal humerus fractures: a meta-analysis of biomechanical studies

Treatment of distal humerus fractures is a complex problem in traumatology. The result of treatment depends on the choice of fixator according to the fracture area. Objective. To improve the technology of treatment in patients with complicated distal humerus fractures with fixators of small contact and multiplanar osteosynthesis and to evaluate its efficacy. Methods. 39 patients were treated for the period 2000–2020 with distal humerus nonunion (types 12-B1, 12-C1, 12-C2) and 23 patients with complicated above- and transcondylar humerus fractures (types 13-A2, 13-C1, 13-C2). Fixation of bone fragments of the distal humerus was made with device for fixation (Patent 17502 UA). It is a shaped plate with a groove on which half rings with threaded holes are stabilized. For the osteosynthesis of above- and transcondylar humerus fractures we used V-shaped plate with the possibility to regulate branch spreading width as for the condylar size (Patent 33358 UA). Autografting was performed as for necessity. Results. Plate osteosynthesis was performed mainly through anterior approach with minimal tissues traumatization. Release of radial nerve we made as for necessity. This device provides the stable fixation even in a case of short distal fragment. Device for bone fragments fixation was placed on the posterior condylar surface and lower part of the humerus through olecranon osteotomy. Osteosynthesis with suggested device is one of the options with bone autografting and can be method of choice at repeated surgery. Follow-up period was 1–2 years and later. In 60 patients we obtained good results with completed bone union. Conclusions. Suggested device can be used in cases of distal humerus nonunion. It allows to decrease the damage of surgery, to avoid many complications. Key words. Complicated fractures of the distal humerus, devices for limited-contact multiplanar osteosynthesis.

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Open or Closed Pinning for Distal Humerus Fractures in Children?

Swiss Surgery ◽

10.1024/1023-9332.9.2.76 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 76-81 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

de Buys Roessingh ◽

Reinberg

Keyword(s):

Distal Humerus ◽

Neurological Involvement ◽

Cubitus Varus ◽

Cubitus Valgus ◽

Fractures In Children ◽

Motor Deficiency ◽

Humerus Fractures ◽

Distal Humerus Fractures ◽

With Screws ◽

Length Of Hospitalization

Introduction: In children, the choice between percutaneous pinning (PP) and open pinning fixation (OPF) for the surgical treatment of fractures of the distal humerus remains controversial, especially the PP method for internal humeral condylar (IHC) fractures. Patients and methods: Eighty fractures of the distal humerus in children were treated surgically in our hospital over a ten year period. 47% (n = 38) were supracondylar (SC), 20% (n = 16) comminuted (COM), 18% (n = 14) internal humeral condylar (IHC), and 15% (n = 12) lateral humeral condylar (LHC). We used PP, OPF and three times osteosynthesis with screws. Results: In comparison to OPF, PP reduced the length of hospitalization in SC fractures (2.8 versus 6.1 days) and IHC fractures (2.4 versus five days). It reduced the risk of extension deficiency (11.1% versus 15%) and of cubitus valgus (0% versus 20%) in SC fractures, and of cubitus varus in IHC fractures (0% versus 11.1%). However it induced a higher rate of cubitus valgus (11.1% versus 20%) in IHC fractures, one persistent neurological motor deficiency (radial nerve) and four cases of transitional neurological involvement (ulnar nerve). Conclusions: PP is a good surgical method for SC and for also for IHC fractures, if performed by experienced surgeons so as to avoid neurological damage.

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