Outcome of precontoured locking plate fixation in distal humerus fractures

Abstract

Aim: Outcome of precontoured locking plates fixation in Distal Humerus Fractures. Material and methods: Twenty-five patients with distal humerus fractures were treated with ORIF with pre-contoured locking plates. There were 16 males, 9 females, with an average age of 42.8 years (21-59years). As per the AO classification performance score, the results obtained were graded as excellent or good results in 24 patients (96%), fair in 1 (4%) and poor in 0 (0%) of cases. Average time interval between admission and surgery was 3.8 days (average 1, there were 3 type A fractures(12%),1 type B(4%) and 21 type C fractures (84%).In addition to clinical examination, functional results were evaluated using the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS). Results: Using the Mayo elbow -9 days). All the fractures as well as the olecranon osteotomies united by 10-16 weeks (13.76 weeks). No patient had deep infection, implant failure, non-union of fracture site or olecranon osteotomy site. Superficial wound infection, which occurred in 2 (8%) patients, resolved with oral antibiotics. Transient ulnar nerve palsy developed in 1(4%) case. However, the patient recovered with conservative treatment. Conclusions: An anatomically precontoured distal humerus locking plates are useful in providing stable fixation of distal humerus fractures, thereby facilitating early postoperative rehabilitation.