A distal third extra-articular humerus fractures treated with precontoured single anatomical locking plates: A retrospective study of 11 cases

Abstract

Background: Distal third humerus shaft fractures are difficult entity to manage with. Regional Anatomy and acting forces at the region makes its management tricky to have a good functional results. Conventional platting when used have a limited distal fragment purchased. we used anatomical precontoured single 3.5 mm locking plates in 11 patients with distal third extra articular humerus fractures. Materials and methods: We have studied a retrospective study of 11 patients presented to our institute with an extra articular distal third of humerus fracture between January 2017 to June 2018. All patients were approached through posterior midline incision. Osteosynthesis had been achieved with precontoured 3.5 mm anatomical locking plates. Minimum follow up of 6 months had been taken. (range 6-24 months).all patients had been evaluated according to mayo elbow performance score at final follow up.Results: We have evaluated 11 cases of closed distal third extraarticular humerus fractures. We have included patients with mean age of 39 years in our study. There were 8 male patients (72.73%) and 3 feamale patients (27.27%). In our study maximum numbers of patients had injuries due to road traffic accidents 8 cases (72.7%) followed by domestic fall in 3 cases. Mean Range of motion at elbow was 122.27. We found excellent results in 9 cases (81%) and good to fair results in 2 cases. None of the patient had undergone for any revision surgery.Conclusion: In the management of the extra articular distal third fracture of humerus optimal osteosynthesis with rigid fixation is required to achieve good functional outcome. Use of precontoured 3.5 mm anatomical locking plates in such fractures gives rigid fixation and allows early mobilization.