scholarly journals Distal Humeral Fractures-Current Concepts

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1353-1363 ◽  
Author(s):  
James C. Beazley ◽  
Njalalle Baraza ◽  
Robert Jordan ◽  
Chetan S. Modi

Background:Distal humerus fractures constitute 2% of all fractures in the adult population. Although historically, these injuries have been treated non-operatively, advances in implant design and surgical technique have led to improved outcomes following operative fixation.Methods:A literature search was performed and the authors’ personal experiences are reported.Results:This review has discussed the anatomy, classifications, treatment options and surgical techniques in relation to the management of distal humeral fractures. In addition, we have discussed controversial areas including the choice of surgical approach, plate orientation, transposition of the ulnar nerve and the role of elbow arthroplasty.Conclusion:Distal humeral fractures are complex injuries that require a careful planned approach, when considering surgical fixation, to restore anatomy and achieve good functional outcomes.

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay J Watson ◽  
Simon Bellringer ◽  
Joideep Phadnis

Coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus are a unique subset of distal humeral fractures which entail partial or complete articular fractures of the distal humerus without involvement of the columns. The very distal nature of these fragments, their small size and propensity for comminution render them challenging to treat surgically. The purpose of this article is to describe the classification, outcomes and surgical techniques currently used for the treatment of these fractures using the available literature and authors' clinical experience.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1292-1307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saif Ul Islam ◽  
Alexander William Glover ◽  
Mohammad Waseem

Background:Management of distal humerus fractures remains a challenge for trauma surgeons and advancements in treatment options continue to be made to achieve the best results for patients presenting with these complex fractures. Our aim in this article is to provide the surgeons with a detailed review of current literature to help them make an evidence based decision when faced with managing such complex injuries in their surgical practice.Methods:This is a comprehensive review of the current literature that details various aspects of distal distal humerus fractures such as classification, surgical anatomy, surgical approaches, treatment options, choices of devices, outcomes and complications.Results:With the advancements in techniques and equipment, there has been improvement in patients’ outcomes following surgical management of these fractures and a large proportion of these patients are able to achieve pre-injury level of function. The contoured locking plates have enabled successful fixation of many of these fractures that were previously considered unfixable. For those not amenable to surgical fixation, total elbow arthroplasty and elbow hemiarthroplasty are considered as good alternatives.Conclusion:Since the days where the ‘bag of bones’ technique was the preferred method of treating these complex injuries, techniques and outcomes have advanced greatly. However, they still present a significant technical challenge and need meticulous technique and experience to achieve optimal results.


Author(s):  
Riyaz B. Shaik ◽  
Venugopala Reddy P. ◽  
Ashok Naidu K.

Background: In adults, distal humerus fractures are uncommon and intra-articular, oftenly involve both the medial and lateral columns. Open reduction and surgical fixation with plating gives good results. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical outcome in intra articular distal humerus fractures treated with dual plating.Methods: This is a prospective type of study of 20 cases of supra condylar fracture humerus with inter condylar extension treated surgically with dual plating one on the medial boarder and another on posterior surface of lateral column using standard dorsal approach, olecranon osteotomy.Results: The range of age was between 18-52 years, with mean age of 32.55 years. The maximum incidence was between 18 to 40 years i.e. 16 cases (80%). With road traffic accident (RTA) as major cause of injury. Most   of the patients were males 14 (70%) with right upper limb was involved in 12 (60%) cases. According   to MEP score clinical outcome was excellent in 4(20%) good in 10(50%) fair in 5(25%) and poor in one (10%).Conclusions: Distal humerus fractures are known for their complex nature and technical difficult in surgical management. Proper anatomical articular reconstruction and stable fixation helps in restoring painless and functional elbow.


2011 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 635-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus J. Burkhart ◽  
Stefaan Nijs ◽  
Stefan G. Mattyasovszky ◽  
Ruben Wouters ◽  
Dominik Gruszka ◽  
...  

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. Scolaro ◽  
Pramod Voleti ◽  
Amun Makani ◽  
Surena Namdari ◽  
Amer Mirza ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-12
Author(s):  
Shaan S. Patel ◽  
Julian Gatta ◽  
Adrienne Lee ◽  
Blaine T. Bafus

Background: Transolecranon distal humerus fractures are uncommon injuries. The purpose of this study is to review the outcomes and complications associated with transolecranon distal humerus fractures. Material and Methods: We performed a systematic search of PubMed for articles published between 1990 and 2021. Included studies reported outcomes and complications of transolecranon distal humerus fractures. Data was extracted from the included studies to describe patient demographics, injury characteristics, outcome measurements, and complications. Results: A total of 4 studies met inclusion criteria for data extraction and analysis. Two studies evaluated an adult cohort of a total of 18 patients. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score was 40 (range 4.2 – 76.5). Fifteen patients (83%) had a complication. Elbow stiffness (11/18, 61%) was the most common complication. Eleven patients (61%) underwent more than one procedure. Two studies evaluated a pediatric cohort of a total of 9 patients. Five patients (56%) underwent non-operative treatment with immobilization and four patients (44%) underwent open reduction and internal fixation. There were no complications reported. All the pediatric patients regained near full range of motion of the elbow at their final follow-up. Conclusion: Transolecranon distal humerus fractures are complex elbow injuries. In the adult population, they remain a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. Complications, including elbow stiffness and infection, are high with frequent long-term functional limitations as represented by DASH scores. In contrast, pediatric patients have good outcomes and minimal complications that are similar to isolated olecranon and distal humerus fractures in children.


2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 245-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arvind Von Keudell ◽  
Amir R. Kachooei ◽  
Ali Moradi ◽  
Jesse B. Jupiter

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baik Jong Seok ◽  
Lee Sung Hyun ◽  
Hyun Tak Kang ◽  
Tae Hyun Song ◽  
Jeong Woo Kim

Background: Intra-articular distal humeral fractures can be surgically challenging. It remains under discussion whether open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) or total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is more beneficial for treatment of the elderly. This study aimed to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of ORIF and TEA for managing intra-articular distal humerus fractures in patients aged 65 years or older.Methods: Patients who underwent ORIF (n=28) or TEA (n=43) for in intra-articular distal humerus fracture between May 2008 and December 2018 were reviewed. Range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, radiologic outcomes, and surgical complications were evaluated at the final follow-up visit.Results: The ORIF and TEA groups showed a mean arc of flexion–extension of 97°±21° and 101°±12°, respectively. The mean MEPS and DASH scores were 94±15 and 27±12 points, respectively, in the ORIF group and 81±27 and 47±28 points in the TEA group. This difference was statistically significant. The incidence of total complications was similar between the groups.Conclusions: In patients older than 65 years with intra-articular distal humerus fracture, ORIF had better outcomes than TEA.


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