Three-dimensional mapping of distal humerus fracture

Background Distal humerus fractures (DHFs) constitute one-third of elbow fractures approximately. In this study, we aim to define and analyze the fracture lines and morphological features of DHFs using mapping technique. Methods One hundred and two DHFs were retrospectively reviewed. All the computed tomography (CT) data were used to manually reconstruct and virtually reduce the DHF fragments to fit a standard 3D model. Smooth curves were depicted accurately onto the surface of the template to represent the fracture lines. All the curves were overlapped onto the model to create the 3D fracture map and heat map. Results Our analysis was based on 102 CT images of DHFs, contributed by 59 male and 43 female patients (mean age, 46 years; range, 18-93 years), and included 15 type A, 25 type B, and 62 type C fractures. On mapping, the hot zones were located in the radial fossa, coronoid fossa, olecranon fossa, and the external part of the trochlear. Conversely, the cold zones were noted in medial condyle, the medial side of the trochlear, and the anterolateral area on the supracondylar ridge. Conclusions Our study firstly shows the fracture lines and morphological features of distal humeral fractures by three-dimensional mapping technology. Distal humerus fracture lines are characteristic and highly related to the micro-architecture difference of distal humerus, which may provide some guidance for the treatment plan selection and surgical fixation design.

FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF DISTAL HUMERUS FRACTURE BY PARATRICEPITAL TWO WINDOW APPROACH

Background-Most of distal humerus fractures are dealt with olecranon osteotomy approach which stand as cumbersome process resulting in excessive soft tissue damage and excess hardware interposition. Alternate paratricepital two window approach has been advocated by many authors as better approach to deal with AO type A, B, and C1 type distal humerus fractures. AIM -To evaluate functional outcome of distal humerus fracture xation through paratricepital two window approach Materials & Methods – A complete of 30 patients of closed fracture distal humerus fracture underwent open fracture xation through paratricepital approach. Average age of patient was 35yr .Regular follow up and physiotherapy sessions were carried out. Average period of follow up was 12 month. Results – Out of 30 patients 28 were nally followed up till 1 year, one patient died in between while another one undergoes implant removal due to infection. From 28, 20 patients has excellent functional outcome, 3 has good, 4 has fair outcome and one patient has poor results in terms of MEPS and DASH score. Conclusion – Based on present study and data analysis we conclude that distal humerus fracture treated through paratricepital two window approach results in excellent functional outcome which is evident from ability to early start various day to day to day activities like performing st nd personal hygiene, combing hairs ,putting shirt- shoes themselves and starts eating themselves by 1 or 2 week of surgery .Unlike traditional approach like Olecranon osteotomy , it maintains adequate Tricep extensor mechanism ,does minimal soft tissue damage ,minimal post op pain ,promote early wound healing and avoid excessive hardware transposition

A PROSPECTIVE FOLLOW UP STUDY OF FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF SUPRACONDYLAR HUMERUS FRACTURE WITH INTERCONDYLAR EXTENSION TREATED WITH OLECRANON OSTEOTOMY APPROACH

Introduction- Olecranon osteotomy is standard approach for low transcondylar and intercondylar distal humerus fractures. Distal humerus fractures are difcult to manage successfully because of the local anatomic constraints, the frequent presence of comminution,displacement and osteopenia. We studied the functional outcome and complications following surgical xation using this approach. Material And Methods- A total 20 consecutive patients(male:15,female:5),having mean age 42.1yrs, of Distal Humerus fractures who will attend the casualty or O.P.D during the thesis period(June2018 to October2020) at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital & Mathuradas Mathur Hospital Jodhpur (Rajasthan) will be included in study group and managed surgically using olecranon osteotomy approach. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score(MEPS) and complications were observed. Results- Mean loss of extension was 10°.Mean exion achieved was 122.75°.Mean range of movement at treated elbow was 113°. All fractures united by the end of 3 months. Final results were excellent in 8 cases; good in 7 cases; fair in 4 and poor in one case. Most common complication in our study was discomfort due to hardware(6 cases). Supercial infection occurred in 2 cases. Screw/wire backout occurred in 2 cases. Elbow stiffness and malunion happened in one case. Functional outcome was also dependant on fracture subtype. Conclusion- Intraarticular distal humerus fracture treated with olecranon osteotomy approach had good articular exposure and surgical xation. This approach had good functional outcome and fewer complications.

A Rare Case of a Transphyseal Distal Humerus Fracture in a Pediatric Patient

Birth injuries are uncommon and occur in less than 1% of the population. Transphyseal fractures of the distal humerus typically occur in children younger than three years old and may result from birth trauma in cases where excessive traction or obstetrical maneuvers are required. Early and accurate diagnosis is necessary for successful management. Differential diagnosis includes non-accidental trauma, brachial plexus injury, elbow dislocation, septic arthritis and osteomyelitis. This case report describes a rare case of a transphyseal distal humerus fracture in a pediatric patient.

Functional outcome of the treatment of AO-ASIF type C distal humerus fracture using Lambda plate

Introduction: Although the use of two plates for the treatment of type-C distal humerus fracture is popular, site of plate placement still is under debate. Use of Lambda plate for the fracture treatment can be easier and settle the dispute. This study aims to evaluate the functional outcome of the surgery using Lambda Plate. This can be a reference for surgeons and helps them make the decision about choice of implant for type C distal humerus fracture treatment among Nepalese people. Methods: This interventional study used Lambda plate for the treatment of type C fracture of distal humerus. Patients were examined at 4, 12, and 24 weeks respectively for the measurement of the outcome. Visual analogous scale was used for assessment of pain, range of motion for functional recovery and Mayo Elbow Performance Score was used for the assessment of functional outcome. Paired-samples t-test and linear regression was used to for data analysis. Results: Functional outcome at the last follow-up was excellent in 24(53.33%) patients, good in 18(40%) patients and fair in 3(6.67%) patients. Range of motion of elbow increased significantly with every follow-up (p-value <0.001). Average angle of flexion at last follow-up was 117.53°±11.74 while loss of extension was 7.53°±4.86. Average number of patients had their fracture union at 19.84±2.38 weeks. There was no association of age, sex and union weeks with functional outcome when measured with MEPS. Conclusion: Fixation of distal humerus fracture by using Lambda plate gave excellent and satisfying outcome in terms of pain, range of motion and objective functional outcome.

STUDY OF THE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF INTRA-ARTICULAR DISTAL HUMERUS FRACTURE (AO/OTA TYPE C) IN ADULTS

Introduction: Distal humerus fracture in adults particularly complete articular (AO/OTA Type C) remain some of the most difficult injuries to manage. Complex anatomy of distal humerus combined with multifragmented fracture, sparse soft tissue cover with adjacent neurovascular structures poses great difficulty for treatment. Goal of treatment is to obtain a painless, stable and mobile elbow joint through a systematic approach. Aim: to study the functional outcome of surgical management of complete articular distal humerus fracture in adults. Method: a prospective study comprising of 20 patients treated surgically with open reduction and internal fixation using Orthogonal plating (dorsolateral and medial 3.5mm LCP) through trans olecranon approach. Result: Mean age of patients was 36.6 years (range 19 to 58 years) with male dominance, most fractures were of type 13C1 (AO/OTA). RTA accounts for most common mode of injury, majority of them being left sided. Mean operative time was 130 minutes. Complications included one case of superficial infection, 3 cases of ulnar neuropathy and non-union in 2 cases. Mean range of motion of elbow was 89 degree. Functional outcome assessed using Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) shown Excellent result in 12 cases, good to fair results in 6 and poor result in 2 cases. Conclusion: Anatomical restoration of joint surface and rigid internal fixation with bicolumnar orthogonal plating allowing early range of motion is the key for obtaining good functional results in complete articular distal humerus fractures. However, outcomes do deteriorate with increasing fracture complexity.