Operative Orthopädie und Traumatologie
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Oper Orthop Traumatol · Jun 2005
Clinical TrialPrimary total elbow replacement for fractures of the distal humerus.
Achieving stability and pain-free function for osteoporotic intraarticular multifragmentary fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients by primary total elbow replacement (TER). ⋯ 49 acute distal humeral fractures in 48 patients (average age: 67 years) were treated with TER. 43 fractures were followed at an average of 7 years. According to the AO classification, five fractures were type A, five type B, and 33 type C. The average flexion arc at follow-up was 24-131 degrees, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score averaged 93. Data of complications were obtained from records in all 49 patients. 32 of the 49 elbows had neither a complication nor any further surgery from the time of the index arthroplasty to the most recent follow-up evaluation. Ten additional operative procedures, including five revision arthroplasties, were required. The retrospective review supports recommendation for TER for the treatment of an acute distal humeral fracture, when strict inclusion criteria are observed.