ASSESSMENT OF THE OUTCOMES RELATED TO THE FUNCTION FOLLOWING OSTEOSYNTHESIS IN THE ADULT DISTAL HUMERUS INTERCONDYLAR FRACTURE TREATED WITH PRE-CONTOURED COMPRESSION PLATES: A CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: To restore the acceptable and painless function of the elbow following distal humerus fracture,
stable internal fixation of fracture segment and restoring the actual geometric pattern of the distal humerus is
vital. This helps in complete and early rehabilitation.
Aims: The present study was conducted to assess the associated complications and the functional outcomes in
distal humerus fracture managed with an anatomically pre-contoured locking plate system.
Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 20 subjects from both the gender, within the age range of
18-68 years and the mean age of 50.4±3.68 years. 20 subjects with AO type C distal humerus fracture treated
with anatomically pre-contoured locking plate system. Following surgery, the subjects were assessed at 1 day, 3
weeks for 3 months followed by 6 weeks for the next 6 months, and then at 3 months interval. The final results
were evaluated at 1 year. The results were assessed following Mayo elbow performance scoreand the results
were formulated.
Results:Excellent result was seen in 35% (n=7) study subjects with the range of motion as 118.15±10.65, good
in 50% (n=10) study subjects with a range of motion as 108.35±4.90, the fair result was evaluated in 10% (n=2)
study subjects where the range of the motion was 100.02±8.14, and poor in one subject with a mean range of
motion as 70.02±0. No complication was seen in 65% (n=13) of subjects following surgery. Superficial
infection was seen in the highest proportion in 15% (n=3) of study subjects followed by ulnar neuropathy in
10% (n=2) subjects. Both Stiffness and implant loosening were seen in 5% (n=1) of study subjects.
Conclusion: The present study concludes that treating distal humerus fractures using anatomically precontoured locking plates in open reduction and internal fixation approach is an efficacious method resulting in
clinically acceptable functional outcomes.