Trans-fracture approach for ORIF of coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus

© 2022. The Author(s)..

INTRODUCTION: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of comminuted coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus is challenging. When a concomitant lateral condyle fracture is present, it may be used for a trans-fracture approach to facilitate exposure and fracture reduction. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of lateral condyle fractures in coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus and analyze fracture reduction, fracture union and clinical results following ORIF through a trans-fracture approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: All adult patients who underwent treatment for an acute distal humerus fracture during a three-year period in our level-one trauma center were identified. All fractures were classified according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA/AO) fracture classification system and all B3 fractures were classified according to the Dubberley classification. B3 fractures with a concomitant radial condyle fracture were identified. The clinical and radiological results, (Mayo Elbow Performance Score = MEPS, Visual Analogue Scale = VAS, range of motion), complications and revision surgeries were analyzed.

RESULTS: 53 patients (mean age 52 ± 19 years) were identified. 13 fractures (24.5%) were B3 fractures. Four of them (30.8%) had a concomitant radial condyle fracture. All of these patients underwent ORIF with headless cannulated compression screws and a (postero-)lateral locking plate through a trans-fracture approach. At a minimum follow-up of 24 months, the MEPS was 88 ± 12 points, the VAS was 2 ± 1 and the range of motion was 118° ± 12°. All fractures showed anatomic reduction. One patient developed partial avascular necrosis and underwent arthrolysis at 6 months. One patient underwent partial hardware removal and lateral collateral ligament bracing at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Lateral condyle fractures are present in about one third of coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus. This injury can be used for a trans-fracture approach to facilitate exposure and to reliably achieve anatomic fracture reduction.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2023

Erschienen:

2023

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:143

Enthalten in:

Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery - 143(2023), 5 vom: 22. Mai, Seite 2519-2527

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Hackl, Michael [VerfasserIn]
Lanzerath, Fabian [VerfasserIn]
Ries, Christian [VerfasserIn]
Harbrecht, Andreas [VerfasserIn]
Leschinger, Tim [VerfasserIn]
Wegmann, Kilian [VerfasserIn]
Müller, Lars Peter [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Coronal shear fracture
Distal humerus
Elbow
Fracture
Journal Article
ORIF
Surgical approach

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 19.04.2023

Date Revised 21.04.2023

published: Print-Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1007/s00402-022-04501-6

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM342524283