• Mehmet Elmadag, Mehmet Erdil, Kerem Bilsel, Mehmet Ali Acar, Nejat Tuncer, and Ibrahim Tuncay.
• Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical Faculty, Bezmialem Vakif University, Fatih, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey, drelmadag@hotmail.com.
• Eur J Orthop Surg Tr. 2014 Jan 1; 24 (1): 43-50.

IntroductionIntra-articular distal humeral fractures can be approached in a variety of ways. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the functional outcomes of two approaches: approach with olecranon osteotomy and triceps-lifting approach for the treatment of intra-articular distal humeral fractures.MethodsThis study shows a consecutive series of 54 intra-articular distal humeral fractures of 54 patients who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with anatomic plating. Lateral plating was performed in 10 (45.5 %) patients, and medial and lateral parallel plating was performed in 12 (54.5 %) patients in olecranon osteotomy group, while lateral plating was performed in 8 (25 %) patients, and medial and lateral parallel plating was performed in 24 (75 %) patients in triceps-lifting group.ResultsMean follow-up was 38.3 months for olecranon osteotomy group and 41.4 months for triceps-lifting group. Functional outcomes according to MAYO elbow score and extension-flexion motion arc values were significantly better in olecranon osteotomy group (p < 0.05).ConclusionApproach with olecranon osteotomy provided better functional outcomes than triceps-lifting approach. Additionally, intra-articular distal humerus fractures can be safely treated with olecranon osteotomy which provides more control over the elbow joint and better visualisation and allows early postoperative rehabilitation.

26 keywords...

hide…