Surgical management of distal humeral fractures in adults

Abstract

Introduction: The only reliable method for restoring the normal alignment and contour of the distal humerus is operative exposure and direct manipulation of fracture fragments. However, fixation of fracture fragments must be stable enough to allow motion while ensuring union Methodology: On admission of the patient, a careful history was elicited from the patient and/or attendants to reveal the mechanism of injury and the severity of trauma. The patients were then assessed clinically to evaluate their general condition and the local injury Results: In the present series there were no cases of type I fractures. There were 5 (25%) cases of type II fractures, 12 (60%) cases of type III fractures and 3 (15%) cases of type IV fractures. In this series 12 (60%) patients were fixed with double reconstruction plates of which supplementary K wires were used in 2 cases and 8 (40%) patients were fixed with Y plate Conclusion: During open reduction internal fixation, anatomic nature of articular surface should be given prime importance