Functional Outcome Following Internal Fixation of Intraarticular Fractures of the Distal Humerus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/1rza1v34Keywords:
Intercondylar fracture; Intra-articular; Distal humerus; Double plate fixation; Olecranon osteotomy.Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the functional outcome following internal fixation of intraarticular fractures of the distal
humerus (AO Type C) with a minimum follow-up of twelve months.
Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out at Orthopaedics department from December
2018 to December 2022. A total of 170 consecutive patients with intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus were
recruited from Emergency and outpatient department and treated with open anatomical reduction and internal
fixation with plating and lag screw. Functional evaluations of elbow joints were evaluated with Broberg and
Morrey functional rating index. All patients were followed for twelve months.
Results: All fractures united in average 3.2 months (range 7-19 weeks). The results were excellent in 66.47% patients
and good in 22.35% patients at final follow-up. Complications found in 22.35% patients who had insignificant
delayed unions which were united next 3 weeks, 7.05% insignificance malunion, 5.83% ulnar nerve neurapraxia
and 5.83% patients developed elbow stiffness.
Conclusions: We conclude that internal fixation of intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus is an effective
procedure with an excellent or good functional outcome in majority of the patients. Patients have a high level of
satisfaction and the majority returns to their previous level of activity.
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